Textiles and articles, and processes for making the same

ABSTRACT

Articles of wear having one or more textiles that include a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymeric composition, and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The low processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectively incorporated into a textile to provide one or more structural properties and/or other advantageous properties to the article. The textile can be thermoformed to impart such structural and/or other advantageous properties to the article of wear. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos.62/419,824; 62/419,832; 62/419,841; and 62/419,851, each filed on Nov.9, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to articles, such as articles ofapparel, articles of footwear, and articles of sporting equipment. Morespecifically, the present disclosure is directed to articles comprisingone or more materials that include a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymericcomposition. The present disclosure is also directed to methods ofmaking articles using materials that include a low processingtemperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, certain articles of wear, e.g., articles of footwear,were made by cutting individual pieces of material and combining themtogether. The individual pieces could be combined by sewing and/or usingadhesives. However, the cutting and combining of multiple pieces ofmaterial are wasteful, labor-intensive, and error prone processes, wheresuch errors result in increased waste, as well as increasedmanufacturing time and energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present disclosure will be readily appreciatedupon review of the detailed description, described below, when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a top and side perspective view of an article of footwear,primarily illustrating the position of three different textile zones, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a bottom and side perspective view of the article of footwearof FIG. 1A, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a top and side perspective view of an alternative aspect ofthe article of footwear of FIG. 1A, primarily illustrating the positionof three different textile zones, in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2A is a side view of an article of apparel, primarily illustratingan elbow patch, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a close-up view of the elbow patch of the article of apparelof FIG. 2A, primarily illustrating three different textile zones, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a schematic depiction of a textile having threetypes of textile zones, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 4A-4E depict exemplary cross-sections of the various types oftextile zones of the textile of FIG. 3, in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5J depict exemplary knit structures that can be present invarious segments of the exemplary cross-sections depicted in FIGS.4A-4E, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of two interconnected courses ofloops having different types of yarn and depicting a staggeredinterface, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a schematic representation of three interconnected courses ofloops with the middle course of loops being formed of a different yarnthan the outer courses of loops, in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B is a schematic representation of the interconnected courses ofloops of FIG. 7A after being exposed to a thermoforming process, andshowing the middle course of loops being transformed into a melted yarncomponent upon thermoforming but not the two outer courses of loops, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of the meltedyarn component of FIG. 7B, and showing a portion of a yarn from one ofthe outer courses of loops being encapsulated within the melted yarncomponent, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a portion ofthe interconnected courses of FIG. 7, showing one loop in the middlecourse of loops and one loop in the upper course of loops, in accordancewith aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a schematic representation of the cross-section of FIG. 9Abut after the interconnected courses of FIG. 7 have been exposed to athermoforming process, showing how the loop of yarn in the middle coursedeforms but still maintains a general yarn structure, in accordance withaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a schematic representation of three interconnected coursesof one type of yarn with anchor yarn in float stitches and tuckstitches, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a schematic representation of the interconnected courses ofFIG. 10A, and shows that upon thermoforming the one type of yarn formingthe interconnected courses has been transformed into a melted yarncomponent, with the anchor yarn still present as a yarn, in accordancewith aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10C is a schematic representation of a cross-section of the meltedyarn component of FIG. 10B, showing the anchor yarn encapsulated withinthe melted yarn component, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11A is a schematic representation of a portion of one of thetextile zones of the textile of FIG. 3, and showing areas of differenttypes of fibers, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a schematic representation of the portion of FIG. 11A afterbeing exposed to a thermoforming process, and showing how one of thetypes of fibers have been transformed into a non-fiber material withfibers of the other material embedded within the non-fiber material, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11C is a cross-section of the non-fiber material of FIG. 11Bshowing the two other fibers encapsulated within the non-fiber material,in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a schematic representation of an article offootwear that includes a textile material, and showing a chassis, a heelcounter, and a sock liner for incorporation into the article offootwear, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section of the article of footwear of FIG. 12 withthe chassis, heel counter, and sock liner positioned in the interior ofthe article of footwear, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a schematic representation of an article offootwear that includes a textile material, showing the addition ofground-engaging cleats to the ground-facing outsole area of the articleof footwear, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a top and side perspective view showing an upper for anarticle of footwear being placed on a last, in accordance with aspectsof the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top and side perspective view of the upper from FIG. 15 onthe last showing the upper wrap around at least a bottom portion of thelast, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-section of the upper on the last from FIG. 16,showing the last in contact with inner surface of the upper, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a top and side perspective view of the upper on the last fromFIG. 16, showing a protective sheath wrapped around the upper, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a cross-section of the protective sheath-covered upper fromFIG. 18, showing the protective sheath contacting the outer surface ofthe upper, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 20A is a side view of the upper on the last from FIG. 16 showing avacuum bag with the upper placed inside, in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 20B is a side view of the upper inside the vacuum bag of FIG. 20A,showing the vacuum bag compressed against the outer surface of theupper, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of a thermoforming system having aheating zone and a cooling zone, in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for manufacturing anupper for a shoe, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram of another exemplary process for manufacturingan upper for a shoe, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for making a knitupper for an article of footwear, in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for forming a knitarticle, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for making an upperfor an article of footwear, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for making an outsolefor an article of footwear, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to embellished articles, andembellished elements such as embellished shaped components, embellishedfilms, embellished textiles, embellished yarns or embellished fiberswhich can be combined to form embellished articles. The embellishmentsor the embellished elements can comprise a low processing temperaturecomposition, or can comprise a high processing temperature composition.In some aspects, a single element can include both the low and highprocessing temperature compositions. The present disclosure is alsodirected to methods of thermoforming on a molding surface one or moreelements to re-shape the element, to affix an embellishment to anelement, to affix an embellished element to another element usingre-flown polymeric materials, or any combination thereof. In some cases,the thermoforming process may alter the embellishment (e.g, by reflowingit), or may apply the embellishment (e.g., by activating a sublimationink). The thermoforming process involves placing at least a portion ofat least a first element on a molding surface, and, while the firstelement remains in contact with the molding surface, increasing thetemperature of the entire first element to a first temperature, and thendecreasing the temperature of the entire first element to a secondtemperature. The first temperature is a temperature above the meltingpoint of the low processing temperature composition, but is below thebelow at least one of: 1) the creep relaxation temperature T_(cr); 2)the heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) the Vicat softeningtemperature T_(vs) of the high processing temperature polymericcomposition. Thus, using the disclosed process, the portions of theembellishment or element which comprises the low processing temperaturecomposition will melt, re-flow and then re-solidify into a new shape orconformation, while the portions formed high processing temperaturecomposition will retain their original shape or conformation. Usingshaped components, films, textiles, yarns and/or fibers from the lowprocessing temperature composition to form embellishments, or byprinting, embroidering, or dyeing other elements, and thermoformingthese elements to change their conformation or combine them with otherelements during the thermoforming process, is a particularly efficientand effective way to incorporate embellishments into the thermoformedarticle and to use these low processing temperature compositions toachieve unique effects on the thermoformed article. For example, use ofthe disclosed textiles and processes make it possible to use only asingle embellished textile to produce a thermoformed article whichincludes integrally formed embellished areas. Alternatively oradditionally, the thermoformed articles can be dyed. Due to the presenceof both the low processing temperature composition and the highprocessing temperature composition in the thermoformed article, dyeingthe thermoformed article can be used to produce unique effects on thedyed thermoformed article with only a few processing steps and withoutthe need to mask portions of the thermoformed article, as the dyeselected can preferentially bind with only one of the low processingtemperature composition or the high processing temperature composition.For example, anionic dyes bind particularly well to polyurethanes andpolyamides. One way of producing a dyed thermoformed article in whichonly portions of the article are dyed is to immerse the entirethermoformed article in an anionic dye solution, where the lowprocessing temperature composition comprises a polyurethane or apolyamide or both but is substantially free of polyester polymers, andthe high processing temperature composition comprises a polyester suchas polyethylene terephthalate but is substantially free of polyurethaneor polyamide polymers. In this example, only the portions of the articlecomprising the low processing temperature composition will take up thedye while the portions comprising the high processing temperaturecomposition will remain substantially free of dye, making it possible toproduce a partially dyed article without needing to apply and removingmasking.

In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to articlescomprising: a first element selected from a first shaped component, afirst film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or anycombination thereof; and/or a second element selected from a secondshaped component, a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or asecond fiber; wherein the first element comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers; wherein the second element comprises a high processingtemperature composition, the high processing temperature compositioncomprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers; wherein the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition exhibits a creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr) that is greater than a melting temperature T_(m) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition; and wherein thearticle comprises one or more of: 1) the first film, the first textile,the second shaped component, the second film, or the second textile, orcombinations thereof, comprising a first printed marking on at least aportion thereof; 2) the first film, the first textile, the second film,or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery onat least a portion thereon; and 3) the article comprises a dyed firstelement, a dyed second element, or combinations thereof.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to articles comprising: afirst element selected from a first shaped component, a first film, afirst yarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;and/or a second element selected from a second shaped component, asecond film, a second textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber; whereinthe first reflowed material is a melted and re-solidified product of afirst element selected from a first shaped component, a first film, afirst yarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers; wherein the second element comprises a high processingtemperature composition, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers;wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits aheat deflection temperature T_(hd) that is greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; and wherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) thefirst film, the first textile, the second shaped component, the secondfilm, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a firstprinted marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising embroidery on at least a portion thereon; and 3) thearticle comprises a dyed first element, a dyed second element, orcombinations thereof.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to articles comprising: afirst element selected from a first shaped component, a first film, afirst yarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;and/or a second element selected from a second shaped component, asecond film, a second textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber; whereinthe first reflowed material is a melted and re-solidified product of afirst element selected from a first shaped component, a first film, afirst yarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers; wherein the second element comprises a high processingtemperature composition, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers;wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits aVicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; and wherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) thefirst film, the first textile, the second shaped component, the secondfilm, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a firstprinted marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising embroidery on at least a portion thereon; and 3) thearticle comprises a dyed first element, a dyed second element, orcombinations thereof.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to articles comprising: afirst element selected from a first shaped component, a first film, afirst yarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;and/or a second element selected from a second shaped component, asecond film, a second textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber; whereinthe first reflowed material is a melted and re-solidified product of afirst element selected from a first shaped component, a first film, afirst yarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers; wherein the second element comprises a high processingtemperature composition, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers;wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibitsat least one of: 1) a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr); 2) a heatdeflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) a Vicat softening temperatureT_(vs) that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition; and wherein the articlecomprises one or more of: 1) the first film, the first textile, thesecond shaped component, the second film, or the second textile, orcombinations thereof, comprising a first printed marking on at least aportion thereof; 2) the first film, the first textile, the second film,or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery onat least a portion thereon; and 3) the article comprises a dyed firstelement, a dyed second element, or combinations thereof.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to articles comprising: afirst reflowed material; and a second element selected from a secondshaped component, a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or asecond fiber; wherein the first reflowed material is a melted andre-solidified product of a first element selected from a first shapedcomponent, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a first textile,or any combination thereof; wherein the first reflowed materialcomprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morefirst thermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprises ahigh processing temperature composition, the high processing temperaturecomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers; andwherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits acreep relaxation temperature T_(cr) that is greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; and wherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) thefirst film, the first textile, the second shaped component, the secondfilm, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a firstprinted marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, the second textile, the first reflowedmaterial, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery on at least aportion thereon; 3) the article comprises a dyed first element, a dyedsecond element, or a combination thereof; and 4) a first reflowedmaterial comprising a second printed marking on at least a portionthereof.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to articles comprising: afirst reflowed material; and a second element selected from a secondshaped component, a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or asecond fiber; wherein the first reflowed material is a melted andre-solidified product of a first element selected from a first shapedcomponent, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a first textile,or any combination thereof; wherein the first reflowed materialcomprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morefirst thermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprises ahigh processing temperature composition, the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more second thermoplasticpolymers; and wherein the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a heat deflection temperature Thd that is greaterthan a melting temperature Tm of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition; and wherein the article comprises one or moreof: 1) the first film, the first textile, the second shaped component,the second film, or the second textile, or combinations thereof,comprising a first printed marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) thefirst film, the first textile, the second film, the second textile, thefirst reflowed material, or combinations thereof, comprising embroideryon at least a portion thereon; 3) the article comprises a dyed firstelement, a dyed second element, or a combination thereof; and 4) a firstreflowed material comprising a second printed marking on at least aportion thereof.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to articles comprising: afirst reflowed material; and a second element selected from a secondshaped component, a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or asecond fiber; wherein the first reflowed material is a melted andre-solidified product of a first element selected from a first shapedcomponent, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a first textile,or any combination thereof; wherein the first reflowed materialcomprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morefirst thermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprises ahigh processing temperature composition, the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more second thermoplasticpolymers; and wherein the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a Vicat softening temperature Tvs that is greaterthan a melting temperature Tm of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition; and wherein the article comprises one or moreof: 1) the first film, the first textile, the second shaped component,the second film, or the second textile, or combinations thereof,comprising a first printed marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) thefirst film, the first textile, the second film, the second textile, thefirst reflowed material, or combinations thereof, comprising embroideryon at least a portion thereon; 3) the article comprises a dyed firstelement, a dyed second element, or a combination thereof; and 4) a firstreflowed material comprising a second printed marking on at least aportion thereof.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to articles comprising: afirst reflowed material; and a second element selected from a secondshaped component, a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or asecond fiber; wherein the first reflowed material is a melted andre-solidified product of a first element selected from a first shapedcomponent, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a first textile,or any combination thereof; wherein the first reflowed materialcomprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morefirst thermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprises ahigh processing temperature composition, the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more second thermoplasticpolymers; and wherein the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits at least one of: 1) a creep relaxation temperatureTcr; 2) a heat deflection temperature Thd; or 3) a Vicat softeningtemperature Tvs that is greater than the melting temperature Tm of thelow processing temperature polymeric composition the melting temperatureTm of the low processing temperature polymeric composition; and whereinthe article comprises one or more of: 1) the first film, the firsttextile, the second shaped component, the second film, or the secondtextile, or combinations thereof, comprising a first printed marking onat least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, the first textile, thesecond film, the second textile, the first reflowed material, orcombinations thereof, comprising embroidery on at least a portionthereon; 3) the article comprises a dyed first element, a dyed secondelement, or a combination thereof; and 4) a first reflowed materialcomprising a second printed marking on at least a portion thereof.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to processes formanufacturing an article comprising: providing a disclosed article; andcombining the article with one or more additional materials to form anarticle of footwear, apparel or sporting equipment.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to process formanufacturing an article, the process comprising: receiving a firstelement selected from a first shaped component, a first film, a firsttextile, a first yarn, and a first fiber; and/or receiving a secondelement selected from a second shaped component, a second film, a secondtextile, a second yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the first elementcomprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morefirst thermoplastic polymers, wherein the second element comprises ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more secondthermoplastic polymers, and wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits at least one of: 1) a creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr); 2) a heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) aVicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is greater than the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; placing at least a portion of the first element and atleast a portion of the second element on a molding surface; while the atleast a portion of the first element and the at least a portion of thesecond element is on the molding surface, increasing a temperature ofthe entire article to a temperature that is above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and below at least one of: 1) the creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr); 2) the heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) theVicat softening temperature T_(vs) of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition; and subsequent to the increasing the temperatureof the entire article, while the at least a portion of the articleremains on the molding surface, decreasing the temperature of the entirearticle to a temperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition; thereby forming an articlecomprising a first reflowed material; wherein the first reflowedmaterial is a melted and re-solidified product of the first elementselected from the first shaped component, the first film, the firstyarn, the first fiber, the first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to combination uppers andoutsoles for an article of footwear, comprising: a first re-flowedmaterial; and a second element selected from a second shaped component,a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber;wherein the first reflowed material is a melted and re-solidifiedproduct of a first element selected from a first shaped component, afirst film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or anycombination thereof; wherein the first reflowed material comprises a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more firstthermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprises a highprocessing temperature composition, the high processing temperaturecomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers;wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibitsat least one of: 1) a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr); 2) a heatdeflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) a Vicat softening temperatureT_(vs) that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition; wherein the combinationupper and outsole includes a medial midfoot area, a lateral midfootarea, a ground-facing outsole area, and at least a portion of the firstre-flowed material is present on the ground-facing outsole area; andwherein the combination upper and outsole comprises one or more of: 1)the first film, the first textile, the second shaped component, thesecond film, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprisinga printed marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising embroidery on at least a portion thereon; 3) thearticle comprises a dyed first element, a dyed second element, orcombinations thereof; and 4) the first reflowed material comprising aprinted marking on at least a portion thereof or embroidery on at leasta portion thereon.

In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to processes formanufacturing a combination upper and outsole for an article offootwear, the process comprising: receiving a first element selectedfrom a first shaped component, a first film, a first textile, a firstyarn, and a first fiber; receiving a second element selected from asecond shaped component, a second film, a second textile, a second yarn,or a second fiber; wherein the first element comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers, wherein the second element comprises a high processingtemperature polymeric composition, the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more second thermoplasticpolymers, and wherein the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits at least one of: 1) a creep relaxation temperatureT_(cr); 2) a heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) a Vicat softeningtemperature T_(vs) that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition; placing at least aportion of the first element and at least a portion of the secondelement on a molding surface; while the at least a portion of the firstelement and the at least a portion of the second element are on themolding surface, increasing a temperature of the entire first elementand the entire second element to a temperature that is above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and below at least one of: 1) the creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr); 2) the heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) theVicat softening temperature T_(vs) of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition; and subsequent to the increasing the temperatureof the entire first and second articles, while the at least a portionsof the first and second articles remain on the molding surface,decreasing the temperature of the entire first and second elements to atemperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition, thereby forming a article.

The present disclosure is directed to materials and processes for makingtextiles, articles of sporting equipment, and articles of wear,including articles of footwear and articles of apparel. It should beunderstood that a variety of articles of sporting equipment arecontemplated by the present disclosure, including backpacks, equipmentbags, hats, protective gear, and the like. It should be understood thata variety articles of wear are contemplated by the present disclosure,including knit articles. A non-limiting list of articles of wearcontemplated by the present disclosure includes footwear, shirts, pants,socks, jackets or other outerwear, protective equipment, hats, andundergarments, e.g., brassieres. In certain aspects, the article of wearis an article of footwear. “Article of footwear” is used to refer to anarticle intended for wear on a human foot, e.g., in some aspects, anarticle of footwear can be a shoe. In some aspects, the disclosedmaterials and processes can be used in the manufacture of a componentused in an article of wear, such as an article of footwear. An exemplarycomponent of an article of wear include, but are not limited to, anupper for an article of footwear.

An exemplary article of footwear is athletic or sports footwear,including, but not limited to, running shoes, basketball shoes, soccershoes, baseball shoes, football shoes, tennis shoes, rugby shoes,cross-training shoes, walking shoes, hiking boots, golf shoes, sneakers,and the like. Alternatively, the article of footwear can be non-athleticfootwear, including, but not limited to, dress shoes, loafers, casualwear shoes, sandals, and boots, including work boots. A shoe can orcannot enclose the entire foot of a wearer. For example, a shoe could bea sandal or other article that exposes large portions of a wearing foot.The person of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, therefore, thatthe materials and processes disclosed herein apply to a wide variety offootwear types or styles, in addition to the specific type or stylediscussed in the following material and depicted in the accompanyingfigures.

The disclosed textiles and articles can include yarns, fibers, or acombination of yarns and fibers that comprise a low processingtemperature polymeric composition (described below) and yarns, fibers,or a combination of yarns and fibers that comprises a high processingtemperature polymeric composition (also described below). The disclosedtextiles and articles comprise at least two yarns that balance a numberof material properties as described herein. Moreover, the yarns andfibers used in the disclosed materials and processes will be selectedbased on a variety of factors, including the type of the footwear to bemanufactured, e.g., whether it is an article of athletic or non-athleticfootwear, and the typical use of the article of footwear. For example,in considering the types of yarns and fibers to use in an article ofathletic footwear, the type of sport an article of athletic footwear isused for and/or the conditions (e.g., indoor or outdoor) the article ofathletic footwear is to be worn on can be considered.

The disclosed articles can include shaped components, films, fibers,yarns, or a combination thereof that comprise a low processingtemperature polymeric composition (described below) and shapedcomponents, films, fibers, yarns, or a combination thereof thatcomprises a high processing temperature polymeric composition (alsodescribed below). The disclosed articles comprise at least two polymericcompositions that balance a number of material properties as describedherein. Moreover, the compositions and processes used to form thesearticles will be selected based on a variety of factors, including thetype of the article to be manufactured, and the typical use of thearticle.

In various aspects, the disclosed shaped component, films, textiles andarticles comprise two distinct polymeric compositions, where one of thepolymeric compositions can melt or deform in a thermoforming processperformed over a first temperature range (referred to herein as the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition), while the other polymericcomposition maintains its shape over the first temperature range(referred to herein as the high processing temperature polymericcomposition). It is to be understood that reference to a “polymericcomposition” is intended to refer to a composition comprising at leastone polymer. Optionally, additional ingredients such as pigments, dyes,fillers, processing aids, and the like, can be present in the polymericcomposition. The low processing temperature composition comprises one ormore first thermoplastic polymers. The high processing temperaturecomposition comprises one or more second polymers. In some examples, thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition is a thermoplasticcomposition, and comprises one or more second thermoplastic polymers.The polymeric compositions of the present disclosure can be used to formshaped components, films, and/or fibers. The shaped components and/orfilms can in turn be incorporated into articles as described herein. Thefibers can in turn be used to form yarns and textiles as describedherein, and these yarns and textiles can also be incorporated intoarticles as described herein. In a further aspect, the disclosedtextiles and articles comprise a first film, fiber or yarn comprising alow processing temperature polymeric composition and a second film,fiber or yarn comprising a high processing temperature polymericcomposition.

As mentioned above, the articles described herein can include materials,such as a shaped component, a film, a fiber, a yarn and/or a textile,wherein the article is at least partly formed of a low processingtemperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. In some examples, the material is at least partlyformed of a low processing temperature polymeric composition and a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. As used herein, a “lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition” and a “high processingtemperature polymeric composition” are relative terms with regard to therelative creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)), Vicat softeningtemperature (T_(vs)), heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)), and/ormelting temperature (T_(m)) of each of these compositions. The creeprelaxation temperature (T_(cr)), Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)),heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)), and melting temperature (T_(m)) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition are also understoodto be lower than the decomposition temperature of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition. These parameters are furtherdescribed in detail below. It should be understood that other propertiesand parameters can differ between the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition and the high processing temperature polymericcomposition, as discussed in detail below. In various aspects, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and/or the high processingtemperature polymeric composition or both can be present in a shapedcomponent, film, textile, yarn or fiber.

In various aspects, when both the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and the high processing temperature polymeric compositionare thermoplastic compositions, the melting temperature (T_(m)) of a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition is below at least one ofthe following properties of the high processing temperature polymericcomposition: (1) creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) Vicatsoftening temperature (T_(vs)); (3) heat deflection temperature(T_(hd)); or (4) melting temperature (T_(m)). That is, for example, thelow processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) that is below the temperature of one or more of acreep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)), a Vicat softening temperature(T_(vs)), a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)), or a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) that is below the melting temperature (T_(m)) of thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition.

In a further aspect, the melting temperature (T_(m)) of a low processingtemperature polymeric composition is below the creep relaxationtemperature (T_(cr)) of the high processing temperature polymericcomposition. In a still further aspect, the melting temperature (T_(m))of a low processing temperature polymeric composition is below the Vicatsoftening temperature (T_(vs)) of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. In a yet further aspect, the melting temperature(T_(m)) of a low processing temperature polymeric composition is belowthe heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)) of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition. In an even further aspect, themelting temperature (T_(m)) of a low processing temperature polymericcomposition is below the melting temperature (T_(m)) of the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition.

In various aspects, the melting temperature (T_(m)) of a high processingtemperature polymeric composition is greater than at least one of thefollowing properties of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition: (1) creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) Vicatsoftening temperature (T_(vs)); (3) heat deflection temperature(T_(hd)); or (4) melting temperature (T_(m)). That is, for example, thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) that is greater than the temperature of one or moreof a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)), a Vicat softeningtemperature (T_(vs)), a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)), or amelting temperature (T_(m)) that is below the melting temperature(T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition.

In a further aspect, the melting temperature (T_(m)) of a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition is greater than the creeprelaxation temperature (T_(cr)) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition. In a still further aspect, the meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of a high processing temperature polymericcomposition is greater than the Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition. In a yet furtheraspect, the melting temperature (T_(m)) of a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition is greater than the heat deflection temperature(T_(hd)) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition. In aneven further aspect, the melting temperature (T_(m)) of a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition is greater than the meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition.

In aspects, the low processing temperature polymeric composition and thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition can be selectivelyincorporated into a textile or an article to provide one or morestructural properties and/or other advantageous properties to thetextile or article. In aspects, such a textile can be thermoformed toimpart such structural and/or other advantageous properties. Thethermoforming can be conducted over a temperature range below at leastone of the following properties of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition: (1) creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2)Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)); (3) heat deflection temperature(T_(hd)); or (4) melting temperature (T_(m)). The thermoforming can beconducted over a temperature range below a creep relaxation temperature(T_(cr)) of the high processing temperature polymeric composition. Thethermoforming can be conducted over a temperature range below a Vicatsoftening temperature (T_(vs)) of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. The thermoforming can be conducted over atemperature range below a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)) of thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition. The thermoforming canbe conducted over a temperature range below a melting temperature(T_(m)) of the high processing temperature polymeric composition.

In aspects, a low processing temperature polymeric composition can beused to form a fiber. As used herein, “fiber” is understood to includefilaments. Similarly, in aspects, a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition can be used to form a fiber. In various aspects, afiber can be a bi-component fiber comprising a first portion formed of alow processing temperature polymeric composition and a second portionformed of a high processing temperature polymeric composition. Forexample, the low and high processing temperature polymeric compositionscan be co-extruded to form the bi-component fiber. The fiber can beextruded from the low processing temperature polymeric composition, andsubsequently coated with the high processing temperature polymericcomposition. Alternatively, the fiber can be extruded from the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition, and subsequently coatedwith the low processing temperature polymeric composition. In a furtheraspect, a fiber can be a multi-component fiber comprising three or morepolymeric compositions including one or more low processing temperaturepolymeric compositions and one or more high processing temperaturepolymeric compositions.

In aspects, the disclosed fibers can be used to prepare yarns. The yarnscan be formed using staple fibers, or using continuous fibers. The yarnsof the present disclosure comprise at least one of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. Examples of the present disclosure include boththe low processing temperature polymeric composition and the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. For example, a yarn cancomprise one or more disclosed fiber comprising low processingtemperature polymeric composition, a mixture of two or more lowprocessing temperature polymeric compositions, a high processingtemperature polymeric composition, a mixture of high or more lowprocessing temperature polymeric compositions, or a mixture of one ormore low processing temperature polymeric compositions and one or morehigh processing temperature polymeric compositions. Essentially all, ora majority of the fibers of the yarn can be formed of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition. Alternatively, essentially all or amajority of the fibers of the yarn can be formed of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition. The yarn can comprise fibers formedof the low processing temperature polymeric composition, or fibersformed of the high processing temperature polymeric composition, or bothtype of fibers. The yarn can comprise fibers formed of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition, wherein the yarn is coatedwith the high processing temperature polymeric composition.Alternatively, the yarn can comprise fibers formed of the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition, where the yarn is coatedwith the low processing temperature polymeric composition.

In aspects, the foregoing fibers or yarns can be used to prepare atextile. The textile can comprise one or more of the disclosed fibers oryarns. In various aspects, the textile can be a woven textile comprisingone or more disclosed yarn. In a further aspect, the textile can be aknit textile comprising one or more disclosed yarn. In a still furtheraspect, the textile can be a non-woven textile comprising one or moredisclosed fibers.

In aspects, a low processing temperature polymeric composition or a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition or both can be used toprepare a shaped component. A shaped component can a molded partmanufactured by injection molding, compression molding, blow molding,rotational molding, or other molding techniques as known to one skilledin the art. In some aspects, the shaped component can comprise a mixtureof two or more low processing temperature polymer compositions. Inalternative aspects, the shaped component can comprise a mixture of twoor more high processing temperature polymer compositions. In a furtheraspect, the shaped component can comprise one or more low processingtemperature polymer compositions and one or more high processingtemperature polymer compositions. For example, the shaped component caninclude two or more portions, where a first portion is formed of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and a second portion isformed of the high processing temperature polymeric composition. The twoor more portions can be formed using a double-shot molding process.

In aspects, a low processing temperature polymeric composition or a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition can be used to manufacturea film. In some aspects, a film can comprise one or more low processingtemperature polymeric compositions. Alternatively, in some aspects, afilm can comprise one or more high processing temperature polymericcompositions. In a further aspect, a film can comprise one or more lowprocessing temperature polymer compositions and one or more highprocessing temperature polymer compositions. In various aspects, a filmcan be a multi-layered film comprising one or more disclosed film, e.g.,a bilayer film comprising a first layer comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition and a second layer comprising a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. The multi-layered film canbe formed by co-extrusion or lamination.

In traditional forming of an article including articles of wear,transitions from a first region of functionality to a second region offunctionality can be accomplished through a change in material impartingthe functionality. This transition from a first material having a firstfunctional description to a second material having a differentfunctional description can introduce limitations to the final article.For example, in the context of a shoe, a transition from a sole to anupper occurs near a biteline of the shoe. This transition can bereferred to as a hard-to-soft transition as the sole generally has arelatively rigid response to foot movement and the upper has arelatively generally non-rigid response to the foot movement. Other suchhard-to-soft transitions can be present in other locations on a shoe,depending upon the design and methods of construction used. At thistransition, the wearer of the shoe can experience discomfort as portionsof the foot on one side of the transition are allowed to move in adifferent (e.g., more free) manner than portions of the foot on theother side of the transition. This abrupt change (e.g., hard-to-softtransition) in the allowed freedom of movement of the wearer's foot canaffect perceived performance and feel of the shoe. To limit the impactof the hard-to-soft transition, manufacturers can insert multiple layersof materials or otherwise mechanically manipulate the transition regionto mask the change. Each of these alterations can insert complexity,additional processing steps, and/or materials that can further influenceefficiencies, costs, and weight of the shoe.

As such, aspects contemplated herein allow for an integrally formedarticle portion having a transition from a first functional region to asecond functional region that is engineered into and during theformation of the regions. For example, a manipulation of materials andtechniques, such as knitting stitches, can be implemented to allow for agradient from the first functional region to the second functionalregion. Relating this back to the hard-to-soft transition of a shoe, itis contemplated that a first functional region (e.g., a sole region) ofthe shoe can be formed (e.g., knit) with a first type of material (e.g.,low processing temperature polymeric composition described below) andthe second functional region (e.g., an upper portion) of the shoe isformed (e.g., knit) with a different material (e.g., high processingtemperature polymeric composition described below). Additionally oralternatively, the sole region of the shoe is knit with a first type ofstitch and the upper portion of the shoe is knit with a second type ofstitch. Further, in this example, the transition from the firstfunctional region (e.g., the sole region) to the second functionalregion (e.g., the upper region) can include one or more transitionszones where knitting techniques (e.g., stitch selection, layermanipulation) and/or materials are blended in defined manners tointegrally form a more natural transition from the first functionalregion to the second functional region during the manufacturing of theregion. This integral transition between functional zones can positivelyinfluence the perceived performance and/or feel of the shoe to a wearerin an exemplary aspect.

In an aspect, a textile is provided comprising a first plurality offibers comprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition.The textile further includes a second plurality of fibers comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition. The first pluralityof fibers and the second plurality of fibers can be deposited so as toform separate zones of the textile. For example, the first plurality offibers can form a first surface of the textile, and the second pluralityof fibers can form a second surface of the textile opposing the firstsurface. Alternatively or additionally, the first plurality of fiberscan form a medial portion of a first surface of the textile, and thesecond plurality of fibers can form a lateral portion of a first surfaceof the textile. The first plurality of fibers and the second pluralityof fibers can be laid down in a first zone, a second zone, and a thirdzone, the second zone positioned between the first and third zones,wherein the first zone comprises an increased concentration of thesecond plurality of fibers compared to the second zone, and wherein thethird zone comprises an increased concentration of the first pluralityof fibers compared to the second zone. In a particular example, thetextile is a non-woven textile. In some examples, the textile is acomponent of an article of the present disclosure, such as an article ofapparel or an article of footwear or an article of sporting equipment.In particular examples, the textile is a component of an upper of anarticle of footwear. The textile component can comprise at least 75 wt %of an upper for an article of footwear.

In an aspect, a textile is provided comprising a first yarn comprising alow processing temperature polymeric composition. The textile furtherincludes a second yarn comprising a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. The first and second yarns can be used to formseparate zones of the textile. The first yarn and the second yarn can beincluded in a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone, the secondzone positioned between the first and third zones, wherein the firstzone comprises an increased concentration of the second yarn compared tothe second zone, and wherein the third zone comprises an increasedconcentration of the first yarn compared to the second zone. In someexamples, the textile is a component of an article of the presentdisclosure, such as an article of apparel or an article of footwear oran article of sporting equipment. In particular examples, the textile isa component of an upper of an article of footwear. The textile componentcan comprise at least 75 wt % of an upper for an article of footwear.

In an aspect, a woven textile is provided comprising a first yarncomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition. The woventextile article further includes a second yarn comprising a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. The first yarn and thesecond yarn can be used to form separate zones of the woven textilearticle. For example, the first yarn can form substantially all or aportion of a warp of the weave of the woven textile article, and thesecond yarn can form substantially all or a portion of a weft of theweave of the woven textile article, or vice versa. The first yarn andthe second yarn can form a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone,the second zone positioned between the first and third zones, whereinthe first zone comprises an increased concentration of the second yarncompared to the second zone, and wherein the third zone comprises anincreased concentration of the first yarn compared to the second zone.In some examples, the woven textile is a component of an article of thepresent disclosure, such as an article of apparel or an article offootwear or an article of sporting equipment. In particular examples,the woven textile is a component of an upper of an article of footwear.The woven textile component can comprise at least 75 wt % of an upperfor an article of footwear.

In an aspect, a knit textile is provided comprising a first yarncomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morefirst thermoplastic polymers. The knit textile further includes a secondyarn that comprising a high processing temperature polymericcomposition, the high processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers. The first andsecond yarns at least partly form a plurality of interconnected coursesin at least one knit layer of the knit textile, the at least one knitlayer having at least a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone, thesecond zone positioned between the first and third zones, wherein thefirst zone comprises an increased concentration of the second yarncompared to the second zone, and wherein the third zone comprises anincreased concentration of the first yarn compared to the second zone.In some examples, the knit textile is a component of an article of thepresent disclosure, such as an article of apparel or an article offootwear or an article of sporting equipment. In particular examples,the knit textile is a component of an upper of an article of footwear.The knit textile component can comprise at least 75 wt % of an upper foran article of footwear.

The knit textile can be formed through a knitting process, such as flatknitting or circular knitting. In certain aspects, the knit textile canbe a knit article having a substantially seamless configuration. In afurther aspect, the knit textile can be a knit article formed of unitaryknit construction. As utilized herein, a knit article is defined asbeing formed of “unitary knit construction” when formed as a one-pieceelement through a knitting process. That is, the knitting processsubstantially forms the various features and structures of the knitarticle without the need for significant additional manufacturing stepsor processes. Although portions of knit article can be joined to eachother (e.g., edges of the knit article being joined together, as atseam) following the knitting process, the knit article remains formed ofunitary knit construction because it is formed as a one-piece knitelement. In various aspects, the knit article can further comprise otherelements (e.g., a tongue, a strobel, a lace, a heel counter, logos,trademarks, placards) that can be added following the knitting process.

The knit textile can incorporate various types and combinations ofstitches and yarns. With regard to stitches, the knit textile can haveone type of stitch in one area of the knit textile and another type ofstitch in another area of the knit textile. Depending upon the types andcombinations of stitches utilized, areas of the knit textile can have,for example, a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, or a ribknit structure. The different types of stitches may affect the physicalproperties of the knit textile, including aesthetics, stretch,thickness, air permeability, and abrasion-resistance. That is, thedifferent types of stitches may impart different properties to differentareas of knit textile. With regard to yarns, the knit textile may haveone type of yarn in one area of the knit textile and another type ofyarn in another area of the knit textile, e.g., a yarn comprising a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition in one area of the knittextile and a yarn comprising a high processing temperature polymericcomposition in another area of the knit textile. Depending upon variousdesign criteria, the knit textile can incorporate yarns with differentdeniers, materials (e.g., cotton, elastane, polyester, rayon, wool, andnylon), and degrees of twist, for example. The different types of yarnsmay affect the physical properties of the knit textile, includingaesthetics, stretch, thickness, air permeability, andabrasion-resistance. That is, the different types of yarns may impartdifferent properties to different areas of the knit textile. Bycombining various types and combinations of stitches and yarns, eacharea knit article can have specific properties that enhance the comfort,durability, and performance of the knit textile as required by its usein an article of footwear, article of apparel, or article of sportingequipment.

The knit textile can be prepared by a variety suitable processes. Forexample, a flat knitting process can be utilized to manufacture the knittextile. Although flat knitting can provide a suitable process forforming the knit textile, other knitting processes can also be utilizedsuch as wide tube circular knitting, narrow tube circular knit jacquard,single knit circular knit jacquard, double knit circular knit jacquard,warp knit tricot, warp knit raschel, and double needle bar raschel. Inaspects, the knit textile can be subject to post-processing steps, e.g.,to remove a portion of the knit textile, to add components to the knittextile, to create a fleece texture, etc. In other aspects, the knittextile can comprise various knitted structures and/or comprisedifferent knitted sublayers.

In certain aspects, the entire knit article can be seamless. Theseamless knit article may, for example, be provided by circularknitting. A circular knit article can allow a three-dimensionallypreshaped article to be provided without having to be sewn up at adesignated place(s). Thus, unwanted seams in the knit article can beavoided and the three-dimensionally preshaped knit article can have aparticularly good fit and the additional aforementioned benefits of aseamless structure.

It should be noted, however, that the textiles and textile articles ofthe present disclosure, including knit articles, can be utilized inmanufacture of composite elements. In some aspects, a composite elementcan comprise a first textile prepared as disclosed herein, along with asecond textile or a film or a shaped component. That is, the compositeelement comprises a first textile region and a second region selectedfrom a region comprising a second textile, a region comprising a film, aregion comprising a shaped component, or combinations thereof.

In one aspect, a textile comprises a first plurality of fibers isprovided, the first plurality of fibers comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers. Thetextile can be a non-woven textile. The textile can be a textilearticle. The textile article can be a component of an article ofsporting equipment. The textile article can be a component of an articleof apparel. The textile article can be a component of an article offootwear. The textile article can be an upper portion for an article offootwear.

In aspects, the textile comprises a second plurality of fiberscomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits at least one of: (1) a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr));(2) a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)); (3) a Vicat softeningtemperature (T_(vs)); or (4) a melting temperature (T_(m)) that isgreater than a melting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition in the first plurality of fibers.

In a further aspect, the textile comprises a second plurality of fiberscomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)) that is greater than amelting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first plurality of fibers.

In a further aspect, the textile comprises a second plurality of fiberscomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)) that is greater than amelting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the plurality of fibers.

In a further aspect, the textile comprises a second plurality of fiberscomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits a Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)) that is greater than amelting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first plurality of fibers.

In a further aspect, the textile comprises a second plurality of fiberscomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits a melting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first plurality of fibers.

In another aspect, a textile comprises a first yarn, the first yarncomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morethermoplastic polymers. The textile can be a knit textile. The textilecan be a woven textile. The textile can be a textile article. Thetextile article can be an upper portion for an article of footwear.

In aspects, the textile comprises a second yarn comprising a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits at least oneof: (1) a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) a heat deflectiontemperature (T_(hd)); (3) a Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)); or (4)a melting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than a melting temperature(T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition in thefirst yarn.

In a further aspect, the textile comprises a second yarn comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits a creeprelaxation temperature (T_(cr)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first yarn.

In a further aspect, the textile comprises a second yarn comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits a heatdeflection temperature (T_(hd)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the yarn.

In a further aspect, the textile comprises a second yarn comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits a Vicatsoftening temperature (T_(vs)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first yarn.

In a further aspect, the textile comprises a second yarn comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits amelting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than a melting temperature(T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition in thefirst yarn.

In certain aspects, a textile article is provided comprising a meltedfiber component that is thermoformed from a first state as a firstplurality of fibers into a second state as the melted fiber component(i.e, a component formed of a plurality of fibers, wherein at least aportion of the plurality of fibers have been at least partially meltedand re-solidified into a new conformation which is different than theirfiber conformation). The first plurality of fibers comprises a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition. It is to be understoodthat a melted fiber component can comprise a structure such as apartially melted first plurality of fibers, essentially completelymelted first plurality of fibers, and mixtures thereof. The textilearticle can also include a second plurality of fibers including a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. Optionally, the meltedfiber component and the second plurality of fibers at least partly forma structure having at least a first zone, a second zone, and a thirdzone, with the second zone positioned between the first and third zones.The first zone includes a higher concentration of the second pluralityof fibers compared to the second zone, and the third zone includes ahigher concentration of the melted plurality of fibers componentcompared to the second zone. In some examples this structure can form anouter surface of an article, where the first, second and third zoneseach form a portion of the outer surface.

In one aspect, a textile article comprises a first plurality of fibers,the first plurality of fibers comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers. The textilearticle can be a component of an article of apparel. The textile articlecan be a non-woven textile article. The textile article can be acomponent of an article of sporting equipment. The textile article canbe a component of an article of footwear. The textile article can be anupper portion for an article of footwear.

In aspects, the textile article comprises a second plurality of fiberscomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits at least one of: (1) a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr));(2) a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)); (3) a Vicat softeningtemperature (T_(vs)); or (4) a melting temperature (T_(m)) that isgreater than a melting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition of the first plurality of fibers thatis transformed from a first state as the first plurality of fibers intoa second state as the melted fiber component.

In a further aspect, the textile article comprises a second plurality offibers comprising a high processing temperature polymeric compositionthat exhibits a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)) that is greaterthan a melting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition of the first plurality of fibers that istransformed from a first state as the first plurality of fibers into asecond state as the melted fiber component.

In a further aspect, the textile article comprises a second plurality offibers comprising a high processing temperature polymeric compositionthat exhibits a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)) that is greaterthan a melting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition of the first plurality of fibers that istransformed from a first state as the first plurality of fibers into asecond state as the melted fiber component.

In a further aspect, the textile article comprises a second plurality offibers comprising a high processing temperature polymeric compositionthat exhibits a Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)) that is greaterthan a melting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition of the first plurality of fibers that istransformed from a first state as a first plurality of fibers into asecond state as the melted fiber component.

In a further aspect, the textile article comprises a second yarncomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits a melting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition of the first plurality of fibers that is transformed from afirst state as a first plurality of fibers into a second state as themelted fiber component.

In certain aspects, a textile article is provided comprising a meltedyarn component that is thermoformed from a first state as a first yarninto a second state as the melted yarn component (i.e, a componentformed of yarn which has been at least partially melted andre-solidified into a new conformation which is different than its yarnconformation). The first yarn comprises a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition. It is to be understood that a melted yarncomponent can comprise a structure such as a partially melted firstyarn, essentially completely melted first yarn, and mixtures thereof.The knit article can also include a second yarn including a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. Optionally, the meltedyarn component and the second yarn at least partly form a structurehaving at least a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone, with thesecond zone positioned between the first and third zones. The first zoneincludes a higher concentration of the second yarn compared to thesecond zone, and the third zone includes a higher concentration of themelted yarn component compared to the second zone. In some examples thisstructure can form an outer surface of an article, where the first,second and third zones each form a portion of the outer surface.

In one aspect, a textile article comprises a first yarn, the first yarncomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morethermoplastic polymers. The textile article can be a knit article. Thetextile article can be a woven article. The textile article can be acomponent of an article of apparel. The textile article can be acomponent of an article of footwear. The textile article can be an upperportion for an article of footwear. The textile article can be a knitupper portion for an article of footwear.

In aspects, the textile article comprises a second yarn comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits at leastone of: (1) a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) a heatdeflection temperature (T_(hd)); (3) a Vicat softening temperature(T_(vs)); or (4) a melting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than amelting temperature (T_(m)) of a low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first yarn that is transformed from a first state asa first yarn into a second state as the melted yarn component.

In a further aspect, the textile article comprises a second yarncomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)) that is greater than amelting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first yarn that is transformed from a first state asa first yarn into a second state as the melted yarn component.

In a further aspect, the textile article comprises a second yarncomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)) that is greater than amelting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first yarn that is transformed from a first state asa first yarn into a second state as the melted yarn component.

In a further aspect, the textile article comprises a second yarncomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits a Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)) that is greater than amelting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first yarn that is transformed from a first state asa first yarn into a second state as the melted yarn component.

In a further aspect, the textile article comprises a second yarncomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatexhibits a melting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition in the first yarn that is transformed from a first state asa first yarn into a second state as the melted yarn component.

In certain aspects, the textile article is a knit article comprising aplurality of interconnected courses. Each course of the plurality ofinterconnected courses includes a first yarn and a second yarn. Thefirst yarn comprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition.The second yarn comprises a high processing temperature polymericcomposition. The knit article also includes at least one knit layerincluding at least a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone, withthe second zone positioned between the first and third zones. Eachcourse of the plurality of interconnected courses extends through thefirst zone, the second zone, and the third zone, where the third zonehas an increased concentration of the first yarn compared to the secondzone. In some examples this structure can form an outer surface of anarticle, where the first, second and third zones each form a portion ofthe outer surface. In addition, the knit article includes an anchor yarnthat extends through at least a portion of the third zone. The anchoryarn comprises a high processing temperature polymeric composition suchas, for example, fibers formed of a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. The anchor yarn exhibits an elongation that isless than an elongation of the first yarn.

In addition to textiles and articles comprising textiles, the presentdisclosure is also directed to articles comprising a melted filmcomponent that is thermoformed from a first state as a film into asecond state as the melted film (i.e., a film comprising a lowprocessing temperature polymeric material, wherein at least a portion ofthe low processing temperature polymeric material of the film has beenmelted and re-solidified into a new conformation on a substrate which isdifferent than its film conformation). The article can also include thehigh processing temperature composition. Optionally, the melted filmcomponent and the high processing temperature composition at leastpartly form a structure having at least a first zone, a second zone, anda third zone, with the second zone positioned between the first andthird zones. The first zone includes a higher concentration of the highprocessing temperature composition compared to the second zone, and thethird zone includes a higher concentration of the melted film componentcompared to the second zone. In some examples this structure can form anouter surface of an article, where the first, second and third zoneseach form a portion of the outer surface.

In one aspect, an article comprises a melted film component, the meltedfilm component comprising a low processing temperature polymericcomposition, the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more thermoplastic polymers. The article can be acomponent of an article of apparel. The article can be a component of anarticle of sporting equipment. The article can be a component of anarticle of footwear. The article can be an upper portion for an articleof footwear.

In aspects, the article comprises a second element (e.g., a shapedcomponent, a film, a textile, a fiber, a yarn) comprising a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits at least oneof: (1) a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) a heat deflectiontemperature (T_(hd)); (3) a Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)); or (4)a melting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than a melting temperature(T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition of themelted film component that is transformed from a first state as a filminto a second state as the melted film component.

In a further aspect, the article comprises a second element comprisinghigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits a creeprelaxation temperature (T_(cr)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition of the melted film component that is transformed from afirst state as a film into a second state as the melted film component.

In a further aspect, the article comprises a second element comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits a heatdeflection temperature (T_(hd)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition of the melted film component that is transformed from afirst state as a film into a second state as the melted film component.

In a further aspect, the article comprises a second element comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits a Vicatsoftening temperature (T_(vs)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition of the melted film component that is transformed from afirst state as a film into a second state as the melted film component.

In a further aspect, the article comprises a second element comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits amelting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than a melting temperature(T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition of thefirst plurality of fibers that is transformed from a first state as afirst plurality of fibers into a second state as the melted fibercomponent.

The present disclosure is also directed to articles comprising a firstpolymeric component comprising a melted region that is thermoformed froma first state as a shaped component into a second state as the meltedshaped component (i.e, a shaped component comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric material, wherein at least a portion of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric material has been melted andre-solidified into a new conformation which is different than itsoriginal shaped component conformation). The first component can alsoinclude a region formed of high processing temperature. Alternatively oradditionally, the article can also include a second component comprisinga high processing temperature polymeric composition.

In one aspect, an article comprises a first shaped component, the firstshaped component comprising a low processing temperature polymericcomposition, the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more thermoplastic polymers. The article can be acomponent of an article of apparel. The article can be a component of anarticle of sporting equipment. The article can be a component of anarticle of footwear. The article can be an upper portion for an articleof footwear. The article can be a sole element for an article offootwear.

In aspects, the article comprises a second element (e.g., a shapedcomponent, a film, a textile, a fiber, a yarn) comprising a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits at least oneof: (1) a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) a heat deflectiontemperature (T_(hd)); (3) a Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)); or (4)a melting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than a melting temperature(T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition of thefirst shaped component that is transformed from a first state as theshaped component into a second state as a melted shaped component.

In a further aspect, the article comprises a second element comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits a creeprelaxation temperature (T_(cr)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition of the first shaped component that is transformed from afirst state as the first shaped component into a second state as themelted shaped component.

In a further aspect, the article comprises a second element comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits a heatdeflection temperature (T_(hd)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition of the first shaped element that is transformed from a firststate as the shaped element into a second state as the melted shapedcomponent.

In a further aspect, the article comprises a second element comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits a Vicatsoftening temperature (T_(vs)) that is greater than a meltingtemperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition of the first shaped element that is transformed from a firststate as the first shaped element into a second state as the meltedshaped component.

In a further aspect, the article comprises a second element comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that exhibits amelting temperature (T_(m)) that is greater than a melting temperature(T_(m)) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition of thefirst plurality of fibers that is transformed from a first state as thefirst shaped component into a second state as the melted shapedcomponent.

In an aspect, a knit upper for an article of footwear is providedcomprising a first yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition. The knit upper for an article of footwear furtherincludes a second yarn comprising a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. The first and second yarns at least partly form aplurality of interconnected courses in at least one knit layer of theknit upper for an article of footwear, the at least one knit layerhaving at least a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone, thesecond zone positioned between the first and third zones, wherein thefirst zone comprises an increased concentration of the second yarncompared to the second zone, and wherein the third zone comprises anincreased concentration of the first yarn compared to the second zone.In some examples this structure can form an outer surface of an article,where the first, second and third zones each form a portion of the outersurface.

In certain aspects, a knit upper for an article of footwear is providedcomprising a melted yarn component comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition. The melted yarn component isthermoformed from a first state as a first yarn into a second state asthe melted yarn component. The knit upper for an article of footwearalso includes a second yarn including a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. The melted yarn component and the second yarn atleast partly form a surface having at least a first zone, a second zone,and a third zone, with the second zone positioned between the first andthird zones. The first zone includes a higher concentration of thesecond yarn compared to the second zone, and the third zone includes ahigher concentration of the melted yarn component compared to the secondzone. In some examples this structure can form an outer surface of anarticle, where the first, second and third zones each form a portion ofthe outer surface.

In some aspects, the article of wear is an article of footwear, whichinclude, but are not limited to, such articles as shoes. Articles offootwear generally include an upper and a sole structure. The upperprovides a covering for the foot that comfortably receives and securelypositions the foot with respect to the sole structure. Moreover, theupper generally provides protection for the foot. The sole structure canprovide various kinds of support, cushioning and shock absorption. Thesole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and isgenerally positioned between the foot and the ground. In addition toattenuating ground reaction forces (that is, providing cushioning)during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities, the solestructure can influence foot motions (for example, by resistingpronation), impart stability, and provide traction, for example.Accordingly, the upper and the sole structure operate cooperatively toprovide a comfortable structure that is suited for a wide variety ofathletic activities.

An upper forms a structure that that provides a covering for some or allof a wearer's foot and positions that foot relative to a sole structureof that shoe. The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear forreceiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, andaccess to the void is provided at an ankle opening. In certain aspects,the upper extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medialand lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. Theupper can have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, incertain aspects, e.g., if an article is a basketball shoe, then theupper can be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support onan ankle. Alternatively, in certain aspects, e.g., if an article is arunning shoe, then the upper can be a low top upper.

The upper can also incorporate a lacing system to adjust fit of thefootwear, as well as permit entry and removal of the foot from the voidwithin the upper. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upperto selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit thewearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, toaccommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper caninclude a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance thecomfort of the footwear (e.g., to modulate pressure applied to the footby the laces), and the upper also can include a heel counter to limit orcontrol movement of the heel. In addition, the upper can include atongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability andcomfort of the footwear, and the upper can incorporate a heel counter.

In some aspects, a sole structure can one or more components or layers,which can individually or collectively provide an article of footwearwith a number of attributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility,stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, or other attributes. Insome aspects, a sole structure can comprise layers referred to as aninsole, a midsole, and an outsole. In some aspects, however, one or moreof these components can be omitted. In certain aspects, a sole canoptionally comprise a sole plate. In some aspects, the sole structurecomprises at an outsole component that includes an exterior majorsurface, which can be exposed and ground-contacting, and an interiormajor surface. In a further aspect, the sole structure can furthercomprise a midsole component that can be attached to the upper along theentire length of the upper. When present, the midsole forms the middlelayer of the sole structure and serves a variety of purposes thatinclude controlling foot motions and attenuating impact forces.

The midsole, which may be attached to the upper along the entire lengthof the upper, forms the middle layer of the sole structure and serves avariety of purposes that include controlling foot motions andattenuating impact forces. Many midsole configurations are primarilyformed from a resilient polymer foam material, such as polyurethane (PU)or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), that extends throughout the length andwidth of the footwear. The midsole can also incorporate plates,moderators, fluid-filled chambers, and/or other elements that furtherattenuate forces, influence the motions of the foot, and/or impartstability, for example.

The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of footwear and isusually fashioned from a durable, wear-resistant material that includestexturing or other features to improve traction. The outsole can befashioned from a durable and wear-resistant material (for example,rubber) that includes texturing to improve traction. The outsole canoptionally further comprise cleats.

In some aspects, an article of footwear can further comprise a sockliner, that is a thin member located within the upper and adjacent theplantar (lower) surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort, e.g.,to wick away moisture and provide a soft, comfortable feel. In someaspects, the sockliner can be formed of a foam material such as apolyurethane foam, foamed rubber or ethylene vinyl acetate. In certainaspects, the sockliner is not glued or otherwise attached to the solestructure. Alternatively, the sockliner can be attached to the solestructure.

In certain aspects, a knit upper for an article of footwear is providedcomprising a plurality of interconnected courses. Each course of theplurality of interconnected courses includes a first yarn and a secondyarn. The first yarn comprises a low processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more first thermoplastic polymers. Thesecond yarn comprises a high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers. Theknit upper for an article of footwear also includes at least one knitlayer including at least a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone,with the second zone positioned between the first and third zones. Eachcourse of the plurality of interconnected courses extends through thefirst zone, the second zone, and the third zone, where the third zonehas an increased concentration of the first yarn compared to the secondzone. In addition, the knit upper for an article of footwear includes ananchor yarn that extends through at least a portion of the third zone.The anchor yarn includes an anchor yarn composition that includes one ormore polymers. The anchor yarn exhibits an elongation that is less thanan elongation of the first yarn.

Exemplary Aspects of Article of Sporting Equipment, Articles of Wear andTextiles

As discussed above, certain aspects are directed to one or more textilesthat include fibers and/or yarns comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. In certain aspects, such textiles can form atleast a portion of an article of sporting equipment or article of wear.In certain aspects, the disclosed textiles can form at least a portionof a component of an article of footwear. In certain aspects, thedisclosed textiles can form at least a portion of a component of anarticle of sporting equipment. For example, the disclosed textiles canform at least a portion of an upper for a shoe, such as an athleticshoe.

Turning now to the figures, in particular, FIGS. 1A and 1B, an articleof footwear 100 is depicted as one exemplary article of wear. WhileFIGS. 1A and 1B depict an article of footwear 100. While FIGS. 1A and 1Bdepict an article of footwear 100, it should be understood that otherarticles of wear are also contemplated by the present disclosure. Thearticle of footwear 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B generally can include aground-facing outsole area 110, an ankle collar area 112, a lateralmidfoot area 114 a, and a medial midfoot area 114 b, a toe box area 116,and a heel area 118. Further, the article of footwear 100 can include aplurality of eyestays 120, a vamp area 122, a tongue area 124, and athroat area 126. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, article of footwear 100,is intended to be used with a right foot; however, it should beunderstood that the following discussion can equally apply to a mirrorimage of article of footwear 100 that is intended for use with a leftfoot.

The article of footwear 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B can include atleast one textile 102 that at least partly forms a portion of thearticle of footwear 100. The textile 102 of the article of footwear 100can include at least three separate textile zones, e.g., zones 104, 106,and 108, identifying specific functional areas of the article offootwear 100. In certain aspects, these specific functional areas are atleast partly associated with the targeted incorporation of specifictextile media in varying amounts, techniques, and combinations intothese textile zones (illustrated as zones 104, 106, and 108 in FIGS. 1Aand 1B). It should be understood that, while the textile 102 includesthree specific functional areas, more than three functional areas arealso contemplated.

In certain aspects, the textile zone 104 can exhibit a rigid orsemi-rigid functionality suitable for use as a ground-facing outsole 110for the article of footwear 100. Accordingly, in certain aspects, thetextile zone 104 can be positioned to include at least a portion of aground-facing outsole 110 of the article of footwear 100. In certainaspects, the targeted incorporation of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition into the textile zone 104 of the textile 102, uponthermoforming, can at least partly provide the rigid or semi-rigidfunctionality for use as a ground-facing outsole 110. As used herein“thermoforming” refers to a process that can include the melting and/ordeforming of the low processing temperature polymeric composition and/orone or more thermoplastic polymers and the subsequent cooling of themelted and/or deformed material to form a plaque or film, which can berigid or semi-rigid. The thermoforming process is discussed in detailbelow.

Further, in aspects, another textile zone, such as, for example, textilezone 108, can exhibit flexibility and/or pliability to accommodatemovements from a wearer. In certain aspects, the textile zone 108 caninclude the ankle collar area 112, the tongue area 124, and/or thethroat area 126 of the article of footwear 100. In various aspects, thetextile zone 108 can include a high processing temperature polymericcomposition.

In certain aspects, another textile, such as, for example, zone 106, canbe positioned between the textile zones 104 and 108. In certain aspects,the textile zone 106 can include at least a portion of the lateralmidfoot region 114 a and/or the medial midfoot region 114 b on thearticle of footwear 100. In certain aspects, the textile zone 106 caninclude a combination of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition from the textile zone 104 and the high processingtemperature polymeric composition from the textile zone 108. In suchaspects, this combination of textile media present in the textile zone106 allows the textile zone 106 to function as a transition between therigid or semi-rigid functionality of the textile zone 104 and theflexible pliable functionality of the textile zone 108, allowing for amore gradual transition from rigidness to flexibility of the textile102.

Further, in such aspects, the textile zone 106 can exhibit rigidity orsemi-rigidity to a lesser extent than the textile zone 104, but to agreater extent than the textile zone 108. Also, in the same oralternative aspects, the textile zone 106 can exhibit flexibility to alesser extent than the textile zone 108, but to a greater extent thanthe textile zone 104.

Alternatively or additionally, the three textile zones 104, 106 and 108can be at least partly located within a midfoot region, such as lateralmidfoot region 114 a and/or medial midfoot region 114 b.

In certain aspects in the textile zone 106, the combination of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition present in the textile zone104 and the high processing temperature polymeric composition present inthe textile zone 108, when exposed to the thermoforming process, canimpart one or more structural properties to the article of footwear 100,such as semi-rigid support in the lateral and/or medial midfoot regions114 a and 114 b, and/or three-dimensional shape or structure to one ormore portions of the article of footwear 100.

In certain aspects, as can be seen in FIG. 1A, the textile zone 106extends away from the textile zone 104 towards the eyestays 120. In suchaspects, the combination of textile media comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and textile media comprising the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition can allow for thetransferring of a force transmitted from the eyestays 120 or otherlacing mechanisms into this combination of textile media present in thelateral and/or medial midfoot regions 114 a and 114 b. In certainaspects, for the successful transfer of the forces transmitted from theeyestays 120, the textile zone 104, and/or the low processingtemperature polymeric composition present in the textile zone 104, canterminate to an area 128 that is a distance of at least about 0.5 cm,about 1.0 cm, or about 2.0 cm from the eyestays 120, and/or at leastabout 3, at least about 4, or at least about 5 needles below theeyestays 120, when the textile 102 is a knit textile formed on acommercial knitting machine. In such aspects, the flexible and pliablecharacteristics of the high processing temperature polymeric compositionthat is present in the zone 108 that is adjacent the eyestays 120 canfacilitate in transferring forces transmitted from the eyestays 120 tothe textile zone 106 and/or the low processing temperature polymericcomposition present in the lateral and/or medial midfoot regions 114 aand 114 b.

In the aspect depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the textile zone 106 ispositioned in the toe box area 116 and the heel area 118. In suchaspects, the combination of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and the high processing temperature polymeric compositioncan provide structure and/or support due to the rigidity provided by thethermoformed material. Further, the thermoformed material can provideabrasion resistance in the toe box area 116 and/or the heel area 118. Inalternative aspects, the textile zone 104 can form at least a portion ofthe toe box area 116 and/or the heel area 118 for increased rigidity orincreased abrasion resistance, since the textile zone 104 includes agreater amount, or alternative positioning (e.g., outer knit surface),of the low processing temperature polymeric composition than the textilezone 106.

FIG. 1C depicts an alternative aspect of an article of footwear 100 a.In such aspects, the article of footwear 100 a can generally include atleast three types of textile zones: the textile zone 104 a, the textilezone 106 a, and the textile zone 108 a. In certain aspects, the textilezones 104 a, 106 a, and 108 a can have the same properties andparameters as the textile zones 104, 106, and 108, respectively, of thearticle of footwear 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1A.

In the aspect depicted in FIG. 1C, portions, e.g., portions 104 b and104 c, of the textile zone 104 a can extend from an outsole area upthrough a midfoot area 115A and toward a plurality of eyestays 120 a. Insuch aspects, a rigid or semi-rigid functionality provided by theportions 104 b and 104 c extending from an outsole area through themidfoot area 115A to a plurality of eyestays 120 a can provide increasedwearer stability in the midfoot area 115A. Further, in aspects, a forceapplied through one or more of the plurality of eyestays 120 a can atleast partly be transferred onto the rigid or semi-rigid portions 104 band 104 c extending through the midfoot area 115A, and into the rigid orsemi-rigid textile zone 104 a present in an outsole area, providingincreased support and comfort for a wearer.

In certain aspects, in addition to the thermoformed material providingstructure, rigidity, strength, and/or support to one or more areas ofthe article of wear, the thermoformed material can provide a water-proofor water-resistant surface.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a shirt 200 as an exemplary article of apparel.The shirt 200 depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes at least one textile202 that at least partly forms a portion of the shirt 200. As best seenin FIG. 2B, the textile 202 can include three separate textile zones204, 206 a-d, and 208, which can identify specific functional areas ofthe 200. In certain aspects, these specific functional areas are atleast partly associated with the targeted incorporation of specifictextile media in varying amounts and combinations into these textilezones 204, 206 a-d, and 208.

In certain aspects, the textile zone 204 can include a reinforced areasuch as an exterior-facing film or patch 210, which can, for example,provide abrasion resistance to an elbow region 212 of the shirt 200. Insuch aspects, the targeted integral incorporation of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition into the textile zone 204 can at leastpartly form the patch 210, when the textile 202 is thermoformed, bymelting or deforming the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and subsequent cooling and solidifying of the meltedmaterial to form a patch 210.

In various aspects, the textile zone 208 can exhibit flexibility and/orpliability similar to a conventional shirt material. In such aspects,the textile zone 208 can include or solely include the high processingtemperature polymeric composition. Further, in certain aspects, thetextile zone 206 can at least partly provide a transition within thetextile 202 from the rigid or semi-rigid patch 210 present in textilezone 204 to the flexible pliable portion present in the textile zone208. In such aspects, the textile zones 206 a-d can include acombination of the low processing temperature polymeric compositionpresent in the textile zone 204 and the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition present in the textile zone 208. While not shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B, the textile zones 206 b-d also provide a transitionto a flexible pliable material, such as that present in the textile zone208.

In certain aspects, like with the textile zone 106 of the textile 102discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, this combination ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition from textile zone204 and the high processing temperature polymeric composition presentfrom textile zone 208 can provide a seamless or integrated transitionfrom the patch 210 to the flexible pliable portion found in textile zone208 of the shirt 200.

While this exemplary description in FIGS. 2A and 2B of the textile zones204, 206 a-d, and 208 relates to an elbow region of the article ofapparel 200, it should be understood that the textile zones 204, 206a-d, and 208 and associated properties can be applied to other areas ofa shirt or other articles of apparel, such as a knee, thigh, hip, chest,and/or lower back region of an article of apparel, or to areas requiringreinforcement such as areas adjacent to a fastener, for example, azipper, a button, a snap, a pull cord, and the like.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a plan view of a schematic textile 300 isprovided. It should be understood that the textile 300 can be any typeof textile known to one skilled in the art. A non-limiting list oftextiles that are suitable for use in the articles of wear and methodsdisclosed herein includes knit textiles, woven textiles, non-woventextiles, and braided textiles.

Similar to the textile 102 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and the textile 202 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, the textile 300 of FIG. 3 includes three types oftextile zones. For example, the textile 300 includes a textile zone 302that can include fibers and/or yarns comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, textile zones 306 a and 306 b thatcan include a high processing temperature polymeric composition, andtextile zones 304 a and 304 b that can include a combination of fibersand/or yarns comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and fibers and/or yarns comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition. In textile 300 of FIG. 3, the textilezones 304 a and 304 b can be positioned on either side of textile zone302, while textile zones 306 a and 306 b can be positioned on theopposite sides of the textile zones 304 and 304 b, respectively.

In certain aspects, the fibers and/or yarns comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition present in textile zone302, when exposed to a thermoforming process, can impart a structural orfunctional property to the textile 300 that can be used in forming anarticle of wear. For example, the textile zone 302 can represent thetextile zone 104 of the textile 102 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, which forms atleast a portion of a ground-facing outsole 112. In aspects, the fibersand/or yarns comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition present in 306 a and 306 b can impart flexibility orpliability to the textile 300, such as the textile zone 108 of thearticle of footwear 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Further, in variousaspects, the textile zones 304 a and 304 b can include a combination offibers and/or yarns comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition present in the textile zone 302 and fibers and/or yarnscomprising the high processing temperature polymeric composition presentin the textile zones 306 a and 306 b to provide structural support andthree-dimensional structure for a particular article of wear. Further,as discussed above, in certain aspects, this combination of fibersand/or yarns comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and fibers and/or yarns comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition in the textiles zones 304 a and 304 bcan provide an integrated transition between the rigid thermoformedmaterial in textile zone 302 and the flexible pliable high processingtemperature polymeric composition in textile zones 306 a and 306 b.

In one or more aspects, the textile zones 304 a and 304 b can include aplurality of subzones, such as subzones 305 a, 305 b, 305 c, and 305 dof the textile zone 304 a, which can include varying combinations and/orvaried positioning of the fibers and/or yarns comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and fibers and/or yarnscomprising the high processing temperature polymeric composition. Incertain aspects, the subzone 305 a can include fibers and/or yarnscomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition but notfibers and/or yarns comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition present in the textile zones 306 a and/or 306 b. In the sameor alternative aspects, the subzone 305 d can include fibers and/oryarns comprising the high processing temperature polymeric compositionbut not fibers and/or yarns comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition present in the textile zone 302.

It should be understood that, while only the subzones of the textilezone 304 a can be further described herein, such descriptions apply tosubzones present in the textile zone 304 b. Further, it should beunderstood that, if in certain descriptions only a textile zone 304 aand/or 306 a is further discussed, such descriptions also apply to thetextile zones 304 b and 306 b, respectively.

In certain aspects, based on the relative positioning of the fibersand/or yarns comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and the fibers and/or yarns comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition in the textiles zones 302, 304 a, and306 a the textile 300 can have varying concentrations of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and/or high processingtemperature polymeric composition in these textile zones 302, 304 a, 306a.

As used herein, the term “concentration” refers to a clustering orcongregation in a specific volume. Thus, the term concentration includesmeasuring the amount (e.g., the weight in grams) of a material in aspecified volume (e.g., cm³). For example, in a knit textile, a firstportion of a single knit layer of a textile can have an increasedconcentration of a first yarn compared to a second portion of thetextile by having more stitches (e.g., knit stitches, tuck stitches,and/or float stitches) of that first yarn than the second portion ofequal size. In another example, in a non-woven textile, a first portionof the textile can have an increased concentration of a first fiber ifthat textile was formed with more of the first fiber (e.g., a weight ingrams) than a second portion of equal size.

In aspects, the textile zone 302 can include an increased concentrationof fibers and/or yarns comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition compared to the textile zones 304 a and/or 306 a.For example, in such aspects, the textile zone 302 can have at least 5wt % more fibers and/or yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition compared to the textile zones 304 a and/or 306 a.In another aspect, the textile zone 302 can have at least 10 wt % morefibers and/or yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition compared to the textile zones 304 a and/or 306 a. In oneaspect, the textile zone 302 can have at least 25 wt % more fibersand/or yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition compared to the textile zones 304 a and/or 306 a.

In the same or alternative aspects, the textile zone 304 a can includean increased concentration of fibers and/or yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition compared to the textilezones 306 a. For example, in such aspects, the textile zone 304 a canhave at least 5 wt % more fibers and/or yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition compared to the textilezone 306 a. In another aspect, the textile zone 304 a can have at least10 wt % more fibers and/or yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition compared to the textile zone 306 a. Inone aspect, the textile zone 304 a can have at least 25 wt % more fibersand/or yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition compared to the textile zone 306 a.

In various aspects, the textile zone 306 a can include an increasedconcentration of fibers and/or yarn comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition compared to the textile zones 302 and304 a. For example, in such aspects, the textile zone 306 a can have atleast 5 wt % more fibers and/or yarn comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition compared to the textile zones 302and/or 304 a. In another aspect, the textile zone 306 a can have atleast 10 wt % more fibers and/or yarns comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition compared to the textile zones 302and/or 304 a. In one aspect, the textile zone 306 a can have at least 25wt % more fibers and/or yarn comprising the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition compared to the textile zones 302 and/or 304 a.

In certain aspects, the textile zone 304 a can include an increasedconcentration of fibers and/or yarn comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition compared to the textile zone 302. Forexample, in such aspects, the textile zone 304 a can have at least 5 wt% more fibers and/or yarn comprising the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition compared to the textile zone 302. In anotheraspect, the textile zone 304 a can have at least 10 wt % more fibersand/or yarn comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition compared to the textile zone 302. In one aspect, the textilezone 304 a can have at least 25 wt % more fibers and/or yarn comprisingthe high processing temperature polymeric composition compared to thetextile zones 302.

FIGS. 4A-4D schematically depict exemplary cross-sections of the textilezones 302, 304 a, and 306 a of the textile 300. Generally, FIG. 4Adepicts an exemplary cross-section from the textile zone 306 a andfurther illustrates how, in certain aspects, this portion of the textilezone 306 a includes fibers and/or yarns comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition but does not include fibers and/oryarn comprising the low processing temperature polymeric compositionthat is present in the textile zone 302. FIG. 4B depicts an exemplarycross-section of the textile zone 302 and also illustrates how, invarious aspects, this portion of the textile zone 302 includes fibersand/or yarns comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition but does not include fibers and/or yarns comprising the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition that is present in thetextile zone 306 a. FIGS. 4C and 4D depict two exemplary cross-sectionsfrom the textile zone 304 a, and further illustrate how in theseexemplary portions of the textile zone 304 a both fibers and/or yarnscomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition andfibers and/or yarns comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition is present.

The cross-sections depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D will now be described fromthe perspective of the textile 300 being a knit textile. Variousprocesses for forming a knit textile and the types of yarns that can beused are discussed in detail below. It is contemplated that a variety ofknitting techniques can be implemented to achieve a described result.For example, in some aspects, a “knit stitch” can be substituted with apurl stitch to achieve a comparable result having a different aestheticand/or texture. For purposes of simplicity herein, a “knit stitch” willbe discussed while it is contemplated that a functional equivalent couldbe substituted. Similarly, a “tuck stitch” can be discussed in specificaspects, but it is also contemplated that alternative stitch techniquescan be implemented to achieve a comparable result. Although a relativelysimple knit structure is depicted and discussed, numerous warp knit andweft knit structures can be formed through flat knitting, wide tubecircular knitting, narrow tube circular knit jacquard, single knitcircular knit jacquard, double knit circular knit jacquard, doubleneedle bar raschel, warp knit jacquard, and tricot for example.

It should be understood that the cross-sections depicted in FIGS. 4A-4Dare schematic and each cross-section is organized into various segmentsto highlight potential knit structures that can be present. Thepotential knitting structures that can be present in the varioussegments of these cross-sections are described first.

FIGS. 5A-5J depict exemplary potential knitting structures that can bepresent in the various segments of the cross-sections depicted in FIGS.4A-4D. FIG. 5A depicts a knit stitch (or sometimes referred to as aJersey stitch) structure 502 formed from a back needle bed 504. Itshould be understood that the row of small circles associated with theback needle bed 504, represents needles (e.g., a needle 505) of the backneedle bed 504, in accordance with traditional stitch schematics.Further, the same is true for a front needle bed, e.g., the front needlebed 508 depicted in FIG. 5B; that is, that the row of small circlesassociated with the front needle bed 508 represent needles (e.g., aneedle 507) in the front needle bed 508.

FIG. 5B depicts a knit stitch structure 506 formed from a front needlebed 508. FIG. 5C depicts a float and tuck stitch structure 510, withtuck stitches that are formed by a front needle bed 512 and a backneedle bed 514. FIG. 5D depicts another float and tuck stitch structure516, with tuck stitches formed by a front needle bed 518 and a backneedle bed 520. FIG. 5E depicts a float stitch structure 522. FIG. 5Fdepicts a knit and tuck stitch structure 524 having knit stitches 524 aformed by a back needle bed 528 and tuck stitches 524 b formed by afront needle bed 526. FIG. 5G depicts a knit and float stitch structure530, with the knit stitches formed on a front needle bed 532. FIG. 5Hdepicts a knit and float stitch structure 534, with the knit stitchesformed a back needle bed 536. FIG. 5I depicts a tuck and float knitstructure 538, with the tuck stitches formed by a front needle bed 540.FIG. 5J depicts a tuck and float knit structure 542, with the tuckstitches formed by a back needle bed 544.

Returning now to the cross-sections 4A-4D of the textile 300. Generally,the cross-sections depicted 4A-4D are structured similarly, which is dueto the primary structure of the knit textile. For example, in aspects,there is tubular knit structure that includes a knit structure formedprimarily from a back needle bed (such as the knit structure 502depicted in FIG. 5A) and a knit structure primarily formed on a frontneedle bed (such as the knit structure 506 depicted in FIG. 5B).Further, in such aspects, this tubular knit structure is connected viaone or more tuck and float stitch structures, with tuck stitches formedfrom a back needle bed and a front needle bed (such as the tuck andfloat stitch structures 510 and 516 depicted in FIGS. 5C and 5D,respectively).

This connected tubular knit structure is schematically depicted in thethree horizontal rows highlighted in the cross-sections depicted 4A-4D.For example, FIG. 4A depicts a cross-section 402 of the textile zone 306a of FIG. 3 that includes the high processing temperature polymericcomposition.

The cross-section 402 of FIG. 4A schematically depicts a top segment404, a middle segment 406, and a bottom segment 408. The top segment 404and the bottom segment 408 denote the knit structures for forming thetubular knit structure, while the middle segment 406 denotes the tuckand float stitch structures to connect the tubular knit structuretogether. Thus, in certain aspects, the top segment 404 can include oneor more of the knitting structures 502 and 524 depicted in FIGS. 5A and5F, respectively. The bottom segment 408 can include the knittingstructure 506 depicted in FIG. 5B. The middle segment 406 can includeone or more of the knit structures 510 and 516 depicted in FIGS. 5C and5D, respectively.

FIG. 4B depicts a cross-section 410 of the textile zone 302 thatincludes yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition. The cross-section 410 includes a top segment 412, a middlesegment 414, and a bottom segment 416, which can include the same knitstructures identified above with respect to the top segment 404, themiddle segment 406, and the bottom segment 408 of the cross-section 402of FIG. 4A.

In certain aspects, it can be desirable to bulk up the low processingtemperature polymeric composition in the textile zone 302 in order toprovide a desired thickness and rigidity to the thermoformed textilezone 302, e.g., to form a ground-facing outsole of an article offootwear. In such aspects, the textile zone 302 can include repeatstitches to increase the concentration of the yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition relative to other textilezones, e.g., the textile zones 304 a and/or 306 a. In certain aspects,repeat stitches can be provided, for example, by including multiplestitch structures in any or all of the top segment 412, middle segment414, and bottom segment 416 of the cross-section 410. In one example,multiple overlapping tuck and float stitch structures (such as thestructures depicted in FIGS. 5C, 5D, 5I, and 5J) can be provided in themiddle segment 414 of the cross-section 410.

In certain aspects, in regions of the textile 300 that include asubstantial amount of yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition, e.g., the textile zone 302, an anchor yarn 413can be provided in the textile 300 to help restrict the flow of themelted low processing temperature polymeric composition and/or toprovide some flexibility to the thermoformed material. In thecross-section 410 depicted in FIG. 4B, the anchor yarn 413 is depictedas being present in the middle segment 414 between the top and bottomsegments 412 and 416, respectively. In such aspects, this positioning ofthe anchor yarn 413 can result in the embedding or the encapsulation ofthe anchor yarn 413 by the low processing temperature polymericcomposition upon thermoforming of the textile 300.

While the anchor yarn 413 in FIG. 4B is depicted as a straight line itshould be understood that this is a schematic representation of theanchor yarn 413 and is not meant to specify any particular type of knitstructure. For example, the anchor yarn 413 can be present in thetextile 300 as many different types of knit structure, such as one ormore of structures depicted in FIGS. 5E and 5G-J. In certain aspects,the stitch selection for the anchor yarn 413 can depend upon the desiredresistance to elongation of the material through which the anchor yarn413 extends. For example, an anchor yarn stitch which floats fiveneedles between tuck or knit stitches would provide a greater resistanceto stretch to the material through which the anchor yarn 413 extendscompared to an anchor yarn stitch which only floats 2 or 3 needlesbetween tuck or knit stitches. In such an example, the differingresistance to elongation between the length of the float is a result ofnon-linear portions (e.g., stitch loops) that are more prone toelongation than linear segments, which results in different amounts ofresistance to elongation.

In certain aspects, when the anchor yarn 413 is present as one or moreof the knit structures depicted in FIGS. 5G-J, the anchor yarn 413extends as a float stitch along at least two, at least three, at leastfour, or at least five adjacent loops of the yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition, since the yarn comprisingthe low processing temperature polymeric composition is also present asone or more of the knit structures of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Further incertain aspects, the anchor yarn 413 can extend as a float stitch alongat least two, at least three, at least four, or at least five adjacentloops of the yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and also can form at least a portion of a tuck stitch and/ora knit stitch with the yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition. In such aspects, a length between tuck stitchesor knit stitches is at least partly formed with the yarn comprising thelow processing temperature polymeric composition and the anchor yarn,the anchor yarn 413 can extend at least two, at least three, at leastfour, or at least five adjacent loops of the yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition. In the same or alternativeaspects, the anchor yarn 413 can be stitched, e.g., tuck stitch or knitstitch, at loops spaced apart an amount represented by needle count of acommon needle bed of within 50% or within 25% of the gauge of a knitmachine used to form at least a portion of the textile 300.

FIGS. 4C and 4D depict cross-sections of the textile zone 304 a andportions of the textile zones 302 and 306 a. For example, thecross-section 418 of FIG. 4C includes a portion 422 that corresponds tothe textile zone 302, and a portion 420 that corresponds to the textilezone 306 a. The portions 424 a, 424 b, 424 c, and 424 d correspond tothe subzones 305 a, 305 b, 305 c, and 305 d, respectively, of thetextile zone 304 a of the textile 300. The cross sections of FIGS. 4C-4Eare simplified schematically; however, it is contemplated that one ormore zones and/or portions of the cross sections can include a varietyof fibers and/or yarns in different configurations and concentrations.For example, textile zone 424 c in a middle segment 428 can be comprisedof both fibers and/or yarns comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition and fibers and/or yarns comprising the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition, but in a differentconfiguration/concentration as that which is found in textile zone 424 band/or 424 d of the middle segment 428. Stated differently, variousconstructions techniques allow for combinations of fibers and/or yarnsin given segments and textile zone by variations in the method ofcombining, including, attaching, depositing or applying the fibersand/or yarn (e.g., stitch selection) that allow for variations in fiberand/or yarn concentration at segment levels and/or textile zone levels.

The cross-section 418 of FIG. 4C includes the same type of generaltubular knit structure discussed above with respect to thecross-sections 402 and 410 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively.Accordingly, the cross-section 418 includes a top segment 426, a middlesegment 428, and a bottom segment 430. The top segment 426, the middlesegment 428, and the bottom segment 430 can include the same knitstructures discussed above with reference to the top segment 404, themiddle segment 406, and the bottom segment 408 of the cross-section 402of FIG. 4A, respectively.

In the cross-section 418 of FIG. 4C, the portions 422 and 424 a includeknit structures made with yarn that comprises the low processingtemperature polymeric composition, while the portions 420, 424 d, and424 c include knit structures made with yarn that comprises the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. However, as providedabove, it is contemplated that combinations of fibers and/or yarn basedon differing stitch techniques can be implemented in the variousportions to achieve a transition from one primary material to anotherprimary material.

The portion 424 b includes the tubular knit structure made from yarnthat comprises the high processing temperature polymeric composition;however, knit structures formed from the front and back needle beds(with yarn(s) comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition) are connected via the float and tuck stitches (or aneffective stitch comparable) from a yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition. This portion 424 b illustrates how,when melted and solidified, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can physically connect two outer knit layers together via aplaque or film of thermoformed material, once the textile 300 undergoesthermoforming. In such aspects, an article of wear having this type oftubular knit structure that has been thermoformed and connected via anintegral thermoformed material would primarily include typical knit yarnlayers on opposing outer surfaces of the textile that are connectedtogether via a thermoformed film. Such a structure could be utilized toprovide water-proofing/resistance or other weather proofing to anarticle of wear while still maintaining a typical knit article aestheticand hand feel.

Like the cross-section 418 of FIG. 4C, the cross-section 432 of FIG. 4Dincludes a portion 436 that corresponds to the textile zone 302, and aportion 434 that corresponds to the textile zone 306 a. The portions 438a, 438 b, 438 c, and 438 d correspond to the subzones 305 a, 305 b, 305c, and 305 d, respectively, of the textile zone 304 a of the textile300.

The top region 440, the middle region 442, and the bottom region 444 ofthe cross-section 432 of FIG. 4D can include the same knit structuresdiscussed above with reference to the top segment 404, the middlesegment 406, and the bottom segment 408 of the cross-section 402 of FIG.4A, respectively, in order to provide the same type of general tubularstructure.

The portions 434 and 438 d of the cross-section 432 of FIG. 4D includeknit structures that include yarn that comprises the high processingtemperature polymeric composition while the portions 436, 438 a, and 438b include knit structures made with yarn that comprises the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition, in an exemplary aspect.However, as also provided above, it is contemplated that a primary, butnot exclusive, material selection can be used. For example, in portion438 b, the yarn comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition can be present in the middle region 442 to aid in thetransition of materials. The concentration of the yarn comprising thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition in portion 438 b canbe less than that present in portion 438 c of the same middle region442. For example, the portion 438 b can have at least 5 wt % less, 10 wt% less, or 25 wt % less yarn comprising the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition than is present in portion 438 c of the samemiddle region 442.

The portion 438 c includes the tubular structure with yarn thatcomprises the low processing temperature polymeric composition, whichare connected via the float and tuck stitches from a yarn comprising thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition. In such aspects, uponthermoforming this portion 438 c can encapsulate the yarn comprising thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition in a plaque of themelted and cooled thermoformed material. In certain aspects, such astructure can provide some flexibility to an otherwise rigidthermoformed material.

For example, FIG. 4E depicts a cross-section 446 that is identical tothe cross-section 432 of FIG. 4D with the exception that an anchor yarn448 has been added to at least a portion of the regions that include theyarn comprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition. Incertain aspects, the anchor yarn 448 can have any or all of theproperties discussed above with respect to the anchor yarn 413 of FIG.4B. For example, the anchor yarn can be incorporated into the textileusing one or more of the knit structures depicted in FIGS. 5E and 5G-J.

As can be seen in FIG. 4E the anchor yarn 448 extends from the portion450 of the cross-section 446, which corresponds to the textile zone 302,and into the portions 452 a and 452 b, which correspond to the subzones305 a and 305 b of the textile zone 304 a. Further, in such aspects,FIG. 4E illustrates that yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition is also present (e.g., as a yarn having one ormore of the knit structures present in FIGS. 5A and 5B) in at least thesame portions of the textile as the anchor yarn 448. Thus, in certainaspects, the anchor yarn 448 can extend as a float stitch along at leasttwo, at least three, at least four, or at least five adjacent loops ofthe yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition. Further in certain aspects, the anchor yarn 448 can extendas a float stitch along at least two, at least three, at least four, orat least five adjacent loops of the yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and also can form at least a portionof a tuck stitch and/or a knit stitch with the yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition. In such aspects, betweentuck stitches or knit stitches at least partly formed with yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition and theanchor yarn 448, the anchor yarn 448 can extend at least two, at leastthree, at least four, or at least five adjacent loops of the yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition. In thesame or alternative aspects, the anchor yarn 448 can be stitched, e.g.,tuck stitch or knit stitch, at loops spaced apart by needle count anamount of within 50% or within 25% of the gauge of a knit machine usedto form at least a portion of the textile 300.

As discussed above, in one or more aspects, the anchor yarn 448 canextend from the textile zone 302 into the textile zone 304 a and towardthe textile zone 306 a. In such aspects, the anchor yarn 448 can notextend from the textile zone 302 into the textile zone 304 a and towardthe textile zone 306 a as far as a yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition extends into the zone 304 a and towardthe textile zone 306 a, because there is less need to restrict flowduring thermoforming and/or provide flexibility to the thermoformedmaterial since the yarn comprising the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition from the zone 306 a is also present in textilezone 304 a.

For example, in the cross-section 446 of FIG. 4E, the anchor yarnextends from the portion 450 (corresponding to a portion of the textilezone 302) and into the portion 452 b (corresponding to the subzone 305 bof the textile 300). Further, the cross-section 446 illustrates that thetop segment 456 and bottom segment 460 of the cross-section 446 showthat yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition extends from the portion 450 and into the portion 452 ctowards the portion 454 (corresponding to the textile zone 406 a), whichis beyond the extension of the anchor yarn 448 in the same direction.However, in the middle segment 458, in portions 452 c and 452 d, theyarn comprising the high processing temperature polymeric composition ispresent, which can provide flexibility to the thermoformed textileand/or restrict flow during thermoforming.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, when the textile 300 is a knittextile, the cross-sections of the textile depicted in FIGS. 4A-4E aredepicted with a top segment, bottom segment, and middle segment, wherethe top and bottom segments can form a tubular knit structure (and wheretuck stitches or other connecting stitches present in the middle segmentcan also form part of the tubular or general knit structure) with a topand bottom knit layers. In such aspects, each of the top and bottomouter knit layers can include a plurality of interconnected courses.

Further, as can be seen in the textile 300 of FIG. 3, in the zone 304 a,the subzones 305 a-d have at least one staggered interface, e.g.,staggered interface 306. The staggered interfaces, e.g., the staggeredinterface 306, provide a staggered or non-linear transition betweensubzones of the textile 300 along the width w of the textile. In suchaspects, these staggered interfaces provide a more refined integratedtransition, when the textile 300 is thermoformed, between the rigid areaformed by the low processing temperature polymeric composition in thetextile zone 302 and the flexible pliable area formed by the yarncomprising the high processing temperature polymeric composition in thetextile zone 306 a. In aspects, this refined integrated transitionprovided at least in part by the staggered interfaces, can increase thedurability or tear resistance of the thermoformed textile 300, asopposed to a similar textile having a linear abrupt transition betweenan integral rigid material and a flexible material.

In aspects where the textile 300 is a knit textile, the staggeredinterface 306 can depict how different courses of yarn on either the topor bottom outer knit layers can have different amounts of loops (orgeneral stitch selection) of a yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and/or a yarn comprising the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. As the textile can havemultiple layers (e.g., a top, middle, and bottom), the staggeredinterface can be addressed in any combination of the layers and is notlimited to the surfaces exposed or depicted. Instead, as provided hereinand as contemplated, a transition from a first primary material (e.g.,fibers and/or yarn comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition) to a second primary material (e.g., fibers and/or yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition) forminga textile, the transition can occur at a middle layer exclusively or incombination with one or more outer layers. It should be understood forthe purposes of the following discussion of knit layers, it is assumedthat, when the textile 300 of FIG. 3 is a knit textile, the view of thetextile 300 depicts a top layer. Further, the same description equallyapplies to the bottom knit layer.

FIG. 6 schematically depicts one exemplary portion 600 of the top layerof the textile 300 showing a portion of a staggered interface 306. Ascan be seen in FIG. 6, the portion 600, a first course 602 of loops isinterconnected to a second course 604 of loops. It should be understoodthat while only two interconnected courses are depicted in FIG. 6, morethan two courses can be interconnected in the top knit layer of thetextile 300. As used herein “interconnected,” when referencinginterconnected courses, refers to how at least a portion of the loops ina first course of loops are tethered to at least a portion of the loopsin a second course of loops. One exemplary aspect of interconnectedcourses is depicted in FIG. 6, where individual loops from the secondcourse 604 are interlooped with individual loops from the first course602. As used herein, “interlooped” refers to the how a loop from onecourse can wrap around a loop of another course such as in a knitstitch, and also refers to how one loop can have another segment of yarnpulled through the loop (or through the loop and around the yarn formingthe loop) in order to form a second loop, as in a crochet process.

As can be seen in the portion 600 of the textile 300, both the firstcourse 602 and the second course 604 include two types of yarns: a firstyarn 606 that can comprise the high processing temperature polymericcomposition, and a second yarn 608 that can comprise the low processingtemperature polymeric composition. While only two courses are depictedin the portion 600, it should be understood that the top knit layer ofthe textile 300 can include any number of courses. In aspects, each ofthe courses present in the top knit layer of the textile 300 can includetwo or more types of yarn, as depicted in FIG. 6.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, each course, e.g., the first course 602 andthe second course 604, can extend from the textile zone 302 to thetextile zone 306 a (in aspects, each of the course can extend from thetextile zone 306 a to the textile zone 306 b). In certain aspects, ascan be seen in FIG. 6, the second yarn 608 in both the first course 602and the second course 604 can extend from the textile zone 302 into thetextile 304 a. In the same or alternative aspects, the first yarn 606can extend from the textile zone 304 a into the textile zone 306 a. Itshould be understood that, while the schematic portion 600 of thetextile 300 depicts each loop as only having a single yarn, more thanone yarn can be present at one or more loops (e.g., another yarn canform a tuck stitch with the loops of the portion 600 of FIG. 6), asdepicted in the cross-sections of FIGS. 4A-4E.

As discussed above, the portion 600 of the outer knit layer of thetextile 300 illustrates at least a portion of the staggered interface306. In certain aspects, the staggered interface 306 (and any otherstaggered interfaces) can be formed by the same type of yarn in multiplecourses extending different distances from the one zone (or subzone)into the next zone or subzone. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 6, inthe first course 602, the second yarn 608 extends from the textile zone302 into the textile zone 304 a and towards the textile zone 306 afurther than the second yarn extends from the textile zone 302 into thetextile zone 304 a and towards the textile zone 306 a. In such aspects,the different distances of extension of the second yarn 608 into thetextile zone 304 a results in different amounts of loops of the secondyarn 608 in each of the first course 602 and the second course 604,which can change a concentration of yarn for a given zone/subzone. Thus,in such aspects, within the textile zone 304 a a loop of the second yarn608 in the first course 602 can be interlooped with a loop of the secondyarn 608 in the first course 602 at a first wale 608, while at a secondwale 610 the second yarn 608 of the first course 602 can be interloopedto a loop of the first yarn 604 in the first course 602. In the same oralternative aspects, within the textile zone 304 a, the first yarn 604in the first course 602 can be interlooped with the first yarn 604 inthe second course 604 at a third wale 612.

In one or more aspects, a staggered interface, e.g., the staggeredinterface 306, can result in adjacent courses of the plurality ofcourses in the textile 300 having different numbers of loops of the yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition and of ayarn comprising the high processing temperature polymeric composition.For example, as can be seen in the portion 600 of the upper knit layerof the textile 300 depicted in FIG. 6, in at least a portion of thetextile zone 304 a the first course 602 has a different number of loopsof the first yarn 606, and/or of the second yarn 608, than the secondcourse 604. Further, in the same or alternative aspects, within at leasta portion of the textile zone 304 a, adjacent wales can have one or moreloops of different yarns. For example, as illustrated in the portion 600of the upper knit layer of the textile 300 in FIG. 6, the wale 610includes loops of both the first yarn 606 and the second yarn 608, whilethe wale 612 includes loops of the first yarn 606.

As discussed above, the textiles described herein, which can includefibers and/or yarns comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, can be thermoformed to impart some structure of propertiesto the article of wear. Further, as discussed above, the thermoformingprocess can cause at least a portion of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition present in the textile to melt or deform andsubsequently solidify.

FIG. 7A schematically depicts a portion 700 of the textile zone 304 a ofthe upper knit layer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3 prior to athermoforming process. The portion 700 includes a first course 702 and asecond course 704 having a first yarn 708 that comprises the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. The portion also includesa third course 706 of a second yarn 710 that comprises the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition. In such an aspect, thethird course 706 of loops of the second yarn 710 can be interconnected,e.g., interlooped, to the first course 702 and the second course 707having the first yarn 708.

FIG. 7B depicts the portion 700 after being exposed to a thermoformingprocess. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 7A and 7B, the second yarn710 that comprises the low processing temperature polymeric compositionwas thermoformed from a yarn material into a melted yarn component 712.In certain aspects, the heating step of the thermoforming process atleast partly caused the low processing temperature polymeric compositionin the second yarn 710 to melt and flow and then subsequently solidifyby the completion of the thermoforming process into the melted yarncomponent 712.

In aspects, as can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the thermoforming processhas also transformed at least a portion of the knit structure of theportion 700 of the upper knit layer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3. Forexample, the courses 702, 704, and 706 depicted in FIG. 7A have beentransformed such that the portion 700 no longer includes interconnectedcourses of loops of a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition and a yarn comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition, at least partly due to thetransformation of the yarn 710 in the second course 706 to the meltedyarn component 712. As can be seen in FIG. 7B, although thethermoforming process can eliminate the interconnected loops in theportion 700 of the upper knit layer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3, theremaining course 702 and 704 can be connected by the melted yarncomponent 712. In such aspects, this portion 700 of upper knit layer ofthe textile 300 of FIG. 3 can fix the position of the courses 702 and704 to one another, as opposed to when the courses 702 and 704 wereinterconnected via the course 706 prior thermoforming. Further, in suchaspects, a top portion 714 of the loops of the first course 702 canstill be free to interconnect with other courses of yarn allowing one tomodulate the level of rigidity and/or three-dimensional forming providedby the textile zone 304 a.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-section of the portion 700 of the upper knitlayer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3 along the cut line 8 illustrated inFIG. 7B. As can be seen in FIG. 8, at least portion of the first yarn708 can be encapsulated within the melted yarn component 712. Dependingon the conditions used during the thermoforming process, the melted yarncomponent 712 can solidify into a film-like structure surrounding atleast a portion of the loops of the first course 702 and the secondcourse 704 of the first yarn 708 that comprises the high processingtemperature polymeric composition.

As can be seen in the aspect depicted in FIGS. 7B and 8, the first yarn708 that comprises the high processing temperature polymeric compositiondid not melt or deform after being exposed to the thermoforming process.Further, in certain aspects, the first yarn 708 can contain a dye 716(depicted as the speckling within the first yarn 708) that does notleach out after being exposed to the thermoforming process. For example,as can be seen in FIGS. 7B and 8, there is no visible leaching of thedye 716 from the first yarn 708 into adjacent regions of the melted yarncomponent 712, e.g., the adjacent region 718. In certain aspects, atleast about 80 wt %, at least about 90 wt %, at least about 95 wt %, orat least 99 wt % of the dye 716 remains within the first yarn 708 orwithin the thermoformed portion 700 of the upper knit layer of thetextile 300 of FIG. 3. In the same or alternative aspects, uponthermoforming, there is no visible leaching of the dye into anyadditional materials associated with the final article of wear, whichthe portion 700 of upper knit layer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3 textile300 is incorporated into.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict an aspect where the portion 700 of the upper knitlayer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3 is exposed to the thermoformingprocess but only results in the deforming of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition in the second yarn 710 withouteliminating at least a portion of the interconnected courses 702, 704,and 706 of FIG. 7A. As used herein, “deform” and “deforming” in thecontext of the thermoforming process of a knit textile refers to thealteration of the structure of the yarn such that the yarn does not meltand flow in such a manner as to substantially eliminate the knitstructure of the textile (e.g., eliminate one or more interconnectedloops or interlooped courses).

FIG. 9A depicts a cross-section of the portion 700 of the upper knitlayer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3 along the cutline 9A-B prior to thethermoforming process, and FIG. 9B depicts the same cross-section afterthe thermoforming process. As can be seen in FIG. 9B, upon being exposedthe thermoforming process, the second yarn 710 in the third course 706has an altered yarn structure 710 a while the structure of the firstyarn 708 has not been altered. In this aspect, the second yarn 710 inthe third course 706 maintains the interlooping with the first course702 and the second course 704 and the overall knit structure of theportion 700 of the upper knit layer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3.

In certain aspects, this altered yarn structure 710 a can result in amechanical coupling or physical bonding of the second yarn 710 toanother yarn, e.g., the first yarn 706, (or to another portion of thesecond yarn 710). In certain aspects, during the thermoforming process,the yarn 710 can have been exposed to a temperature above the glasstransition temperature T_(g) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition but not above the melting temperature of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition. In such aspects, when the second yarn710 is exposed to such an elevated temperature, the second yarn cansoften and become pliable but not melt, allowing the yarn to slightlymold around at least a portion of adjacent yarn, e.g., the first 706,and upon cooling this altered yarn structure can be mechanically lockedin place to physically bond to the adjacent yarn.

FIGS. 10A-10C depict a portion 1000 of the textile zone 302 upper knitlayer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3 before and after thermoforming. FIG.10A depicts three courses 1010, 1012, 1014 of a yarn that includes thelow processing temperature polymeric composition. FIG. 10A furtherdepicts the present of an anchor yarn 1016 extending as a float stitch1016 a and a tuck stitch 1016 b.

FIG. 10B depicts the same portion 1000 of the textile zone 302 upperknit layer of the textile 300 of FIG. 3 after being exposed to thethermoforming process. As can be seen in FIG. 10B, the interloopedcourses 1010, 1012, and 1014 of the yarn have been transformed into amelted yarn component 1018. Further, as can be seen in FIG. 10B and FIG.10C, which is a cross-section along the cutline 10C of FIG. 10B, theanchor yarn 1016 has maintained its yarn structure and is nowencapsulated within the melted yarn component 1018. It should beunderstood that while in FIG. 10B, the anchor yarn 1016 is depicted asbeing encapsulated within the melted yarn component 1018, it is alsocontemplated that the anchor yarn 1016 can be at least partiallyembedded within the melted yarn component 1018 such that at least aportion of the anchor yarn 1016 is not fully covered in the melted yarncomponent 1018.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, the textiles described hereincan include a knit textile, e.g., such as the portions of a knit textiledepicted in FIGS. 4A-10C. A knit upper for an article of footwear is oneexemplary knit textile. In such aspects, at least a portion of the knitupper of the article of footwear, and in some aspects substantially theentirety of the upper, can be formed of the knit textile. The knittextile can additionally or alternatively form another element of thearticle of footwear such as the midsole or ground-facing outsole forexample. The knit textile can have a first side forming an inner surfaceof the upper (e.g., facing the void of the article of footwear) and asecond side forming an outer surface of the upper. An upper includingthe knit textile can substantially surround the void so as tosubstantially encompass the foot of a person when the article offootwear is in use. The first side and the second side of the knittextile can exhibit different characteristics (e.g., the first side canprovide abrasion resistance and comfort while the second side can berelatively rigid and provide water resistance).

In aspects, the knit textile can be formed as an integral one-pieceelement during a knitting process, such as a weft knitting process(e.g., with a flat knitting machine or circular knitting machine), awarp knitting process, or any other suitable knitting process. That is,the knitting process can substantially form the knit structure of theknit textile without the need for significant post-knitting processes orsteps. Alternatively, two or more portions of the knit textile can beformed separately and then attached. In some embodiments, the knittextile can be shaped after the knitting process to form and retain thedesired shape of the upper (for example, by using a foot-shaped last).The shaping process can include attaching the knit textile to anotherobject (e.g., a strobel) and/or attaching one portion of the knittedcomponent to another portion of the knitted component at a seam bysewing, by using an adhesive, or by another suitable attachment process.

Forming an upper with the knit textile can provide the upper withadvantageous characteristics including, but not limited to, a particulardegree of elasticity (for example, as expressed in terms of Young'smodulus), breathability, bendability, strength, moisture absorption,weight, and abrasion resistance. These characteristics can beaccomplished by selecting a particular single layer or multi-layer knitstructure (e.g., a ribbed knit structure, a single jersey knitstructure, or a double jersey knit structure), by varying the size andtension of the knit structure, by using one or more yarns formed of aparticular material (e.g., a polyester material, a monofilamentmaterial, or an elastic material such as spandex), by selecting yarns ofa particular size (e.g., denier), or a combination thereof.

The knit textile can also provide desirable aesthetic characteristics byincorporating yarns having different colors or other visual propertiesarranged in a particular pattern. The yarns and/or the knit structure ofthe knit textile can be varied at different locations such that theknitted component has two or more portions with different properties(e.g., a portion forming the throat area of the upper can be relativelyelastic while another portion can be relatively inelastic). In someaspects, the knit textile can incorporate one or more materials withproperties that change in response to a stimulus (e.g., temperature,moisture, electrical current, magnetic field, or light).

In some aspects, the knit textile can include one or more yarns orstrands that are at least partially inlaid or otherwise inserted withinthe knit structure of the knit textile during or after the knittingprocess, herein referred to as “tensile strands.” The tensile strandscan be substantially inelastic so as to have a substantially fixedlength. The tensile strands can extend through a plurality of courses ofthe knit textile or through a passage within the knit textile and canlimit the stretch of the knit textile in at least one direction. Forexample, the tensile strands can extend approximately from a biteline ofthe upper to a throat area of the upper to limit the stretch of theupper in the lateral direction. The tensile strands can form one or morelace apertures for receiving a lace and/or can extend around at least aportion of a lace aperture formed in the knit structure of the knittextile.

In alternative aspects, the textiles described herein can includenon-woven textiles. The non-woven textiles described herein can beproduced by any conventional methods, such as any conventionalmechanical, chemical, or thermal methods for bonding the fiberstogether, including needle entangling and water entangling.

FIGS. 11A-11C depict an aspect where the textile 300 of FIG. 3 is anon-woven textile and undergoes the thermoforming process. FIG. 11A is aschematic depiction of a portion 1100 of the textile zone 304 a of thetextile 300 of FIG. 3. As can be seen in FIG. 11A, the portion includesa first grouping 1110 of first fibers 1116 that comprise the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition, a second grouping 1112 ofthe first fibers 1116, and a third grouping 1114 of second fibers 1118that comprise the low processing temperature polymeric composition. Itshould be understood that the portion 1100 of the textile 300 isschematic and the placing and spacing of the first fibers 1116 and thesecond fibers 1118 can be different in a textile.

While not depicted in FIGS. 11A-11C, in aspects where the textile 300 isa non-woven textile, one or more interfaces between the differentportions of different fibers can also include one or more staggeredinterfaces, e.g., the staggered interface 306. In such aspects, thestaggered interface 306 can depict how the transition between zones orsubzones having different concentrations of fibers comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and/or fibers comprisingthe high processing temperature polymeric composition does not occur ina linear manner along the width w of the textile 300 of FIG. 3.

Returning now to FIGS. 11A-11C, and FIG. 11C in particular, in aspectswhere the thermoforming process causing the melting and flowing of thelow processing temperature polymeric composition in the second fibers1118, the second fibers 1118 have been transformed into a non-fibermaterial 1120, while the first fibers 1116 have not been transformed andso remain in fiber form. In such aspects, the non-fiber material 1120can join together the first grouping 1110 of the first fibers 1116 withthe second grouping 1112 of the first fibers 1116. FIG. 11C shows across-section along the cutline 11C, which shows how in certain aspects,at least a portion of the first fibers 1116 can be encapsulated withinthe non-fiber material 1120. In aspects, it is contemplated that atleast a portion of the first fibers 1116 can be can be at least partlyembedded within the non-fiber material 1120 such that the first fibers1116 are not fully encapsulated by the non-fiber material 1120.

Although not depicted in the figures, in certain aspects, upon beingexposed to the thermoforming process, the second fibers 1118 can notmelt and flow but instead can deform and alter shape. This deformationof fibers or yarns is depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Like the deformationof fibers or yarns discussed above with respect to FIGS. 9A and 9B, incertain aspects, the second fibers can deform and mold on another firstor second fiber (or the same fiber) and mechanically couple orphysically bond to that fiber.

Processes for Manufacturing

Certain conventional thermoforming processes include the selectivethermoforming of only a portion of an article, e.g., by masking portionsof the article not desired to be exposed to the thermoforming process,or using tooling which contacts or covers only a portion of an article.However, such conventional methods result in time and energy intensivemanufacturing processes, as multiple steps are required to mask andunmask portions of the article before and after the thermoformingprocess, or multiple sets of tooling are required. Other conventionalthermoforming processes include the thermoforming of article componentsprior to assembly into an article. This conventional process is also atime and resource intensive process, as multiple steps and machinery arerequired to individually form the article components prior to assemblingthe article. Moreover, an article formed from several individualcomponents results in multiple seams where the individual componentsinterface, thereby providing weaknesses in the article, less naturalfeel for a wearer, and/or actual discomfort or injury for a wearer.

The manufacturing processes disclosed herein solve one or more of theforegoing problems. The manufacturing processes disclosed herein utilizeone or more of the shaped components, films, textiles, yarns and fibersdisclosed herein, wherein the one or more shaped components, films,textiles, yarns and fibers comprises at least one low processingtemperature polymeric composition as disclosed herein. The manufacturingprocesses disclosed herein also utilize one or more of the shapedcomponents, films, textiles, yarns and fibers disclosed herein, whereinthe one or more shaped components, films, textiles, yarns and fiberscomprises at least one high processing temperature polymeric compositionas disclosed herein. The disclosed manufacturing processes comprise athermoforming step, in which the low processing temperature polymericcomposition is softened or melted, which the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition is not melted or softened. The thermoforming isconducted over a temperature range below at least one of the followingproperties of the high processing temperature polymeric composition: (1)creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) Vicat softening temperature(T_(vs)); (3) heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)); or (4) meltingtemperature (T_(m)). The thermoforming can be conducted over atemperature range below a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)) of thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition. The thermoforming canbe conducted over a temperature range below a Vicat softeningtemperature (T_(vs)) of the high processing temperature polymericcomposition. The thermoforming can be conducted over a temperature rangebelow a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)) of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition. The thermoforming can be conductedover a temperature range below a melting temperature (T_(m)) of the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition.

For example, in certain aspects, as discussed further below, thespecific and selective incorporation of a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymericcomposition into an article provides a way to program structuralfeatures into an article that can be formed upon thermoforming. In someaspects, the article can comprise a textile comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition and a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition, e.g., a textile comprising at least one pluralityof fibers or yarn comprising a low processing temperature polymericcomposition in at least a portion of the textile. In another aspect, thearticle can comprise a first shaped component, film, textile, yarn orplurality of fibers comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, and a second shaped component, film, textile, yarn orplurality of fibers comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition, e.g., a knit upper for an article of footwear comprisingthe high processing temperature polymeric composition, and a filmcomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition. Infurther aspects, the article can comprise an aggregation of componentsat least a portion of which comprise a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition and a high processing temperature polymericcomposition, upon which the disclosed thermoforming process has beenapplied.

Since, in aspects, such structural features are built into the articledepending upon the location in the article of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition, upon thermoforming these structural featuresbecome integrated with each other, allowing for a more natural feel forthe wearer or user. For example, a knit program for electronic knittingequipment can used to determine the location of structural features.However, as already noted, the manufacturing processes (and advantagesassociated with these processes) is not limited to the use of thetextiles disclosed herein. For example, a process to form structuralfeatures in a disclosed article can utilize a film comprising a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition with a textile comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition is also contemplatedas a process to program structural features into a disclosed article.Alternatively, a process to effectively program structural features intoa disclosed article can utilize a shaped component comprising a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition with a textile comprising ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition.

Additionally, this selective incorporation of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition into an article provides for a streamlinedmanufacturing process. For example, in certain aspects, an entirearticle can be formed by arranging components and exposing the arrangedcomponents to a thermoforming process, where the components that includethe low processing temperature polymeric composition melt, flow, andre-solidify into a more rigid structural feature, while the componentsthat include the high processing temperature polymeric composition donot deform during the thermoforming process. In such aspects, thisallows for the entire article to be exposed to the thermoforming processwithout the need to mask or protect areas that the manufacturer does notwish to melt, flow, and re-solidify, thereby resulting in a more timeand energy efficient manufacturing process. Further, in some cases, useof the articles described herein in the manufacturing processesdescribed herein also allows for several different structural or otheradvantageous features to be provided in the article without the need tocombine individual components into the final article, since suchfeatures can be built into the article at the textile level using thelow processing temperature polymeric composition and the high processingtemperature polymeric composition.

In various aspects, the thermoforming process occurs at a temperaturebelow which a yarn or fiber has been dyed (e.g., a temperature belowwith a yarn or fiber comprising the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition was dyed) so that such dye does not leach out ofthe yarn or fiber and into the surround low processing temperaturepolymeric composition during the thermoforming process. Thus, in orderto form various textiles and articles described herein, the meltingtemperature of the low processing temperature polymeric composition in afirst yarn or fiber is below a temperature used to dye a second yarn orfiber, such as a second yarn or fiber comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition.

Further, the compositions having this range of melting temperature(i.e., a melting temperature below a temperature at which a second yarnor fiber comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition was dyed) created another problem, in that such many of thelow processing temperature polymeric compositions tested evaluated didnot produce yarns suitable for use in commercial knitting equipment, asthe yarns produced shrank significantly when exposed to the temperatureunder which commercial knitting equipment typically operates.

In particular examples, the low processing temperature polymericcompositions described herein have melting characteristics andacceptable levels of shrinkage when present in a yarn and used incommercial knitting equipment. For example, in certain aspects, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric compositions can exhibit a meltingtemperature T_(m) that is 135° C. or less.

In certain aspects, thermoforming the articles and textiles describedherein can be conducted over a range of temperatures which cause the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition to melt or deform (andsubsequently solidify) while the high processing temperature polymericcomposition does not melt and/or deform, thus maintaining the structureof the element comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition, such as a yarn or fiber. In such aspects, thisthermoforming process can result in a more rigid structural component(such as an outsole portion of a shoe) integrally connected to a lessrigid portion of the article or textile, such as an upper portion of theshoe having a yarn or fiber that comprises the high processingtemperature polymeric composition.

Accordingly, in one aspect, a process for manufacturing an articleprovided. The article can be a component of an article of footwear, acomponent of an article of apparel, or is a component of an article ofsporting equipment. For example, a component of an article of sportingequipment can be a hat, a component of a bag, a component of a ball, anda component of protective equipment. The process includes receiving anarticle, comprising a first shaped component, a first film, a firsttextile, a first yarn, or a first fiber; and a second shaped component,a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber. Thefirst shaped component, the first film, the first textile, the firstyarn, or the first fiber comprise a low processing temperature polymericcomposition, the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more first thermoplastic polymers, wherein the secondshaped component. The second film, the second textile, the second yarn,or the second fiber comprises a high processing temperature polymericcomposition, the high processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers, and wherein thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits at least oneof: 1) a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr); 2) a heat deflectiontemperature T_(hd); or 3) a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) that isgreater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition. The process also comprises placing atleast a portion of the article on a molding surface. Further, theprocess includes, while the at least a portion of the article is on themolding surface, increasing a temperature of the entire article to atemperature that is above the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and below at least oneof: 1) the creep relaxation temperature T_(cr); 2) the heat deflectiontemperature T_(hd); or 3) the Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) of thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition. Subsequent to theincreasing the temperature of the entire article, while the at least aportion of the article remains on the molding surface, decreasing thetemperature of the entire article to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, to thereby form a thermoformed an article.

In another aspect, a process for making an upper for an article ofapparel is provided. The process includes weaving a first course thatincludes interlacing a first yarn and a second yarn. The first yarnincludes a low processing temperature polymeric composition thatincludes one or more first thermoplastic polymers. The second yarnincludes a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatincludes one or more second thermoplastic polymers. The high processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits at least one of: (1) creeprelaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) Vicat softening temperature(T_(vs)); (3) heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)); or (4) meltingtemperature (T_(m)) that is greater than the melting temperature (T_(m))of the low processing temperature polymeric composition. In someaspects, at least a portion of the first yarn is a warp yarn; andwherein at least a portion of the second yarn is a weft yarn. Inalternative aspects, at least a portion of the first yarn is a weftyarn; and wherein at least a portion of the second yarn is a warp yarn.

In a still further aspect, a process for manufacturing an upper for ashoe is provided. The process includes receiving an upper that includesa first yarn and a second yarn. The first yarn includes a low processingtemperature polymeric composition that includes one or more firstthermoplastic polymers. The second yarn includes a high processingtemperature polymeric composition that includes one or more secondthermoplastic polymers. The high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits at least one of: (1) creep relaxation temperature(T_(cr)); (2) Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)); (3) heat deflectiontemperature (T_(hd)); or (4) melting temperature (T_(m)) that is greaterthan the melting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition. In a first portion of the upper, at least one ofthe first yarn and the second yarn form a plurality of interconnectedloops. The process also includes placing the upper on a last. Further,the process includes heating the entire upper, while on the last, to atemperature that is above the melting temperature (T_(m)) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and below at least one of:(1) creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) Vicat softeningtemperature (T_(vs)); (3) heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)); or (4)melting temperature (T_(m)) of the high processing temperature polymericcomposition. Subsequent to the heating the entire upper, cooling theentire upper, while on the last, to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the first yarn composition, to thereby form athermoformed upper.

In yet another aspect, a process for manufacturing an upper for a shoeis provided. The process includes receiving an upper including one ormore first fibers, yarns, films, or shaped components comprising a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and one or more secondfibers, yarns, films, or shaped components comprising a high processingtemperature polymeric composition. Each of the one or more first fibers,yarns, films, or shaped components includes a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition that includes one or more first thermoplasticpolymers. Each of the one or more second fibers, yarns, films, or shapedcomponents includes a high processing temperature polymeric compositionthat includes one or more second thermoplastic polymers. The highprocessing temperature polymeric composition of the one or more secondfibers exhibits at least one of: (1) creep relaxation temperature(T_(cr)); (2) Vicat softening temperature (T_(vs)); (3) heat deflectiontemperature (T_(hd)); or (4) melting temperature (T_(m)) that is greaterthan the melting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition of the one or more first fibers. The upperincludes a ground-facing outsole area, and wherein at least a portion ofthe one or more first fibers is present on the ground-facing outsolearea. The process further includes placing the upper on a last such thatat least a portion of the ground-facing outsole area covers at least aportion of a bottom of the last. The process also includes heating theentire upper, while on the last, to a temperature that is above themelting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition of the one or more first fibers and below at least one of:(1) creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) Vicat softeningtemperature (T_(vs)); (3) heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)); or (4)melting temperature (T_(m)) of the high processing temperature polymericcomposition of the one or more second fibers. Subsequent to the heatingthe entire upper, cooling the entire upper, while on the last, to atemperature below the melting temperature (T_(m)) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition of the one or more first fibers, tothereby form a thermoformed upper.

In a yet further aspect, a process for making a knit upper for anarticle of footwear is provided. The process includes knitting a firstcourse that includes loops of a first yarn and a second yarn. The firstyarn includes a low processing temperature polymeric composition thatincludes one or more first thermoplastic polymers. The second yarnincludes a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatincludes one or more second thermoplastic polymers. The high processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits at least one of: (1) creeprelaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) Vicat softening temperature(T_(vs)); (3) heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)); or (4) meltingtemperature (T_(m)) that is greater than the melting temperature (T_(m))of the low processing temperature polymeric composition. The processfurther includes knitting a second course that comprises loops of thefirst yarn and the second yarn. At least a portion of the first courseand at least a portion of the second course form a plurality ofinterconnected loops.

The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not tobe construed as necessarily requiring their performance in theparticular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative stepscan be employed.

Exemplary Pre-Thermoforming and Thermoforming Processes

As discussed above, in certain aspects, the articles and textilesdescribed above, e.g., the textile 300 of FIG. 3, can form at least aportion of an article of wear, such as an article of footwear. In suchaspects, the textile can form an upper for the article of footwear,where the upper includes a ground-facing outsole portion.

In certain aspects, the article or textile can be combined withadditional materials in forming the upper for the article of footwear.For example, in one or more aspects, the textile can be combined orlayered with one or more of an ankle collar lining, ankle collar foam,upper lining, or upper foam layer. In certain aspects, one or more ofthese additional materials can be secured to the textile, e.g., byknitting, stitching, or adhesion, prior to thermoforming the textile.

In certain aspects, to provide additional comfort and/or support to awearer for an article of footwear formed at least partly by the textilesdescribed herein, an internal support device or chassis can be provided.FIGS. 12 and 13 depict an article of footwear 1200 that includes achassis 1210. The article of footwear 1200 includes a textile 1212forming an upper 1214 having a ground-facing outsole portion 1216. Incertain aspects, as can best be seen in FIG. 13, which depicts across-section of the article of footwear 1200, the chassis 1210 ispositioned in the interior portion 1218 of the article of footwear 1200and contacting an inner surface 1220 of the textile 1212. In certainaspects, the chassis 1210 can include a polymeric material such as ahigh processing temperature polymeric material, e.g., a polyether blockamide, which has a melting or deforming temperature above thetemperature range over which the thermoforming process is conducted, sothat the polymeric material is capable of not melting or deformingduring the thermoforming process described herein.

In various aspects, for a wearer's heel support, a heel counter 1222 canbe positioned on the interior portion 1218 of the upper 1214, or on anexterior portion of the upper 1214, or can form a portion of the upper1214. In aspects, like the chassis, 1210, the heel counter 1222 caninclude a polymeric material such as a high processing temperaturepolymeric material, e.g., a polyether block amide that is capable of notmelting or deforming when exposed to the thermoforming process. Inaspects, like the chassis, 1210, the heel counter 1222 can includeportions formed of a low processing temperature polymeric composition inaddition to portions formed of a high processing temperature polymericcomposition

In certain aspects, a sockliner 1224 can be positioned on top of thechassis 1210 in the interior 1218 of the article of footwear 1200. Insuch aspects, the sockliner 1224 can include conventional socklinermaterials, such as one or more layers of a foam or memory foam and atextile layer. It should be understood that while, a chassis 1210, heelcounter 1222, and a sockliner 1224 are depicted as additional materialsfor forming the upper for the article of footwear, other materials couldalso be added, such as plates, toe caps, and/or structures along thesides.

In various aspects, the heel counter 1222 and the chassis 1210 can bepositioned in the interior 1218 of the article of footwear 1200 prior tothermoforming. In certain aspects, the sockliner can be applied afterthe thermoforming process is completed.

In certain aspects, such as that depicted in FIG. 14, ground-engagingcleats 1410 can be applied to an article of footwear 1400. In aspects,the article of footwear 1400 can include the same features as thearticle of footwear 1200 described above with reference to FIGS. 12 and13. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the ground-engaging cleats 1410 can beapplied to the ground-facing outsole area 1412 of the article offootwear 1400 to provide increase stability and traction. In aspects,the ground-engaging cleats 1410 can be applied to the ground-facingoutsole area 1412 after the thermoforming process is completed. In otheraspects, the ground-engaging cleats 1410 can be applied to theground-facing outsole area 1412 as part of the thermoforming process.

In various aspects, prior to thermoforming an article of footwear, thetextile and any of the additional materials discussed above can bebraided, woven, knitted or pre-formed into the general booty-type shapeof an upper with a ground-facing outsole portion, such as that depictedin the upper 1500 of FIG. 15. In such aspects, the upper 1500 can alsoinclude a chassis or heel counter positioned on the inside 1510 of theupper 1500, such as the chassis 1210 and heel counter 1222 discussedabove with respect to FIG. 12.

In order to prepare the upper 1500 for the thermoforming process, theupper 1500 is placed on a last 1520 such that the last 1520 enters theinside 1510 of the upper 1500. In certain aspects, the last 1520 can beformed of a polymeric material such as a high processing temperaturepolymer composition. In a particular aspect, the last 1520 can be formedof a polymeric material having a melting temperature T_(m) or adegradation temperature greater than 250° C. or greater than 300° C.such as, for example, a silicone polymer. The last 1520 can be made ofother types of material as long as such a material would not be deformedor melt during the thermoforming process or otherwise adversely affectthe thermoforming of the upper. FIG. 16 depicts the upper 1500positioned on the last 1520. As can be seen in FIG. 16, the upper 1500wraps around the last 1520 to cover a bottom portion 1522 of the last1520, a forefoot portion 1524 of the last 1520, and a heel portion 1526of the last 1520. In such aspects, the ground-facing outsole portion1512 of the upper covers the bottom portion 1524 of the last 1520.Although the upper 1500 is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 as having asock-like structure which wraps around and covers the bottom portion1522, the forefoot portion 1524, and the heel portion 1526 of the last1520, in other aspects, the upper 1500 can only partially wrap aroundthe last 1520. Similarly, in other aspects, the upper 1500 can coveronly the bottom portion 1522 of the last 1520, only the forefoot portion1524 of the last 1520, only the heel portion 1526 of the last 1520, orcombinations thereof. In yet other aspects, the upper 1500 can coveronly a portion of the bottom portion 1522 of the last 1520, a portion ofthe forefoot portion 1524 of the last 1520, a portion of the heelportion 1526 of the last 1520, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-section of the upper 1500 positioned on the last1520 along the cutline 17. The cross-section 1700 reveals that the last1500 contacts the inner surface 1540 of the upper 1500. Thecross-section 1700 also reveals the two types of materials present inthe upper 1500. For example, the cross-section 1700 reveals the threetypes of textile zones of the textile forming the upper 1500. As can beseen in FIG. 17, the textile zone 1710, which is associated with theground-facing outsole portion 1512 of the upper, covers the bottomportion 1524 of the last 1520. In such aspects, when the upper is a knittextile forming a knitted upper, at least a portion of the yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition iscovering at least a portion of the bottom portion 1524 of the last 1520.

Further, the textile zone 1714 covers the forefoot portion 1524 of thelast 1520, while the textile zone 1712 covers the midfoot area 1528 ofthe last. In certain aspects, the textile zones 1710, 1712, and 1714 canhave any or all of the properties discussed above with reference to thetextile zones 302, 304 a, 306 a of FIG. 3, respectively.

In certain aspects, a first layer can be placed on a molding surface,such as a last, before the article, such as an article of footwear orcomponent of an article of footwear. For example, a first layer, such asa liner, can be optionally placed over a molding surface, such as alast. For example, referring to FIG. 17 to further exemplify an aspectof a first layer that can be optionally placed on a molding surface,such as a last, before the article, a liner, can be placed over last1520, such that a forefoot region of the liner covers the forefootregion 1524. Accordingly, an upper, comprising the textile zones 1710,1712, and 1714, is then placed such it covers at least a portion of theliner. Thus, at least a portion of the yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition is covering at least aportion of the liner. It is understood that in certain aspects, thetextile zones 1710, 1712, and 1714 can have any or all of the propertiesdiscussed above with reference to the textile zones 302, 304 a, 306 a ofFIG. 3, respectively.

In further aspects, an outer layer can be optionally positioned on atleast a portion of the article that is positioned on a molding surfaceand covering at least a portion of the article. The outer layer, suchcan be a film, can be optionally placed over at least a portion of anarticle, such as an upper, that is positioned on a molding surface, suchas a last. For example, referring to FIG. 17 to further exemplify anaspect of an outer layer can be optionally placed over at least aportion of an upper that has been positioned on an last, such that thetextile zone 1710, which is associated with the ground-facing outsoleportion 1512 of the upper, covers the bottom portion 1524 of the last1520. Accordingly, at least a portion the upper, comprising the textilezones 1710, 1712, and 1714, can be covered by at least a portion of theouter layer. Thus, at least a portion of the yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition is in contact with at leasta portion of the outer layer. It is understood that in certain aspects,the textile zones 1710, 1712, and 1714 can have any or all of theproperties discussed above with reference to the textile zones 302, 304a, 306 a of FIG. 3, respectively. The outer layer can be utilized inconjunction with a first layer as described in the preceding paragraph.

In certain aspects, a shaped component, such as a heel counter or a toecap, can be optionally placed on an outer surface 1530 of an upper 1500.Alternatively, a shaped component, such as a heel counter or a toe cap,can be optionally placed on an inner surface 1540 of an upper 1500. Itis understood that the placement of a shaped component, whether an outersurface 1530 of an upper 1500 or an inner surface 1540 of an upper 1500,is completed before applying a protective sheath, a vacuum, or aprotective sheath and a vacuum bag as described herein below.

In certain aspects, during the thermoforming process, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition can melt and flow. In various aspects,it can be desirable to restrict the flow of the melted low processingtemperature polymeric composition. In such aspects, a protective sheathcan be applied over the upper positioned on a last. For example, as canbe seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, a protective sheath 1800 is positioned overthe upper 1500 positioned on the last 1520. In certain aspects, theprotective sheath 1800 can be formed of a polymeric material such as ahigh processing temperature polymer composition. In a particular aspect,the protective sheath 1800 can be formed of an elastomeric polymericmaterial having a melting temperature T_(m) or a degradation temperaturegreater than 250° C. or greater than 300° C. such as, for example, asilicone polymer. The protective sheath 1800 can be made of other typesof material as long as such a material would not be deformed or meltduring the thermoforming process or otherwise adversely affect thethermoforming of the upper. In aspects, the protective sheath 1800 canapply a compressive force to the outer surface 1530 of the upper 1500,which can aid in restricting the flow of the melted low processingtemperature polymeric composition. Further, in such aspects, a vacuumcan be drawn on the combination of the last 1520, the upper 1500positioned on the last, and the protective sheath positioned on theupper 1500. For example, a bag under vacuum can be compressed on theoutside of the protective sheath 1800 to apply a compressive force tothe protective sheath 1800 to ensure the sheath 1800 is in flush contactwith the outer surface 1530 of the upper 1500. The vacuum bag isdiscussed in more detail below.

In certain aspects, the protective sheath 1800 can be utilized toprovide a pattern or marking on the outer surface of the upper 1500. Forexample, the inner surface 1810 of the protective sheath 1800 caninclude markings or patterns, which during the thermoforming process canbe embossed or imprinted on the outer surface 1530 of the upper 1500,due to the melting and cooling of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition in the upper 1500 combined with a compressiveforce applied by the protective sheath 1800 (and optionally a vacuumbag) onto the upper 1500. In such aspects, since the protective sheath1800, can cover the entire upper 1500 it is possible for the protectivesheath 1800 to emboss or imprint a pattern onto any portion of the outersurface 1530 of the upper 1500 that includes the low processingtemperature polymeric composition.

In certain aspects, it may be desirable to optionally use both aprotective sheath and a vacuum bag together. In such aspects, aprotective sheath can be applied over the upper positioned on a last.For example, as can be seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, a protective sheath 1800is positioned over the upper 1500 positioned on the last 1520. Asdisclosed herein above, the protective sheath 1800 can be formed of anelastomeric polymeric material having a melting temperature T_(m) or adegradation temperature greater than 250° C. or greater than 300° C.such as, for example, a silicone polymer. Accordingly, the protectivesheath 1800 is positioned on a last and inside of a vacuum bag 2010. Asused herein, the term “vacuum bag” refers to any material that cancompress onto the outer surface of an object. It is understood that thevarious methods of applying a compressive force to a protective sheathor a vacuum bag, as discussed in the present disclosure, can be used toapply a compressive force to both the protective sheath and vacuum bagas used together.

In certain aspects, use of the protective sheath 1800 alone and whenused under vacuum can be effective in reducing the number of air bubbleswhich become trapped in the low processing temperature polymer materialduring the thermoforming process, as compared to an identical upperthermoformed under similar conditions except without the use of theprotective sheath 1800.

In the aspects depicted in FIGS. 15-19, the last 1520 is formed of arigid material. Further, in these aspects, when the last 1520 is made ofa rigid material, the compressive force applied via the protectivesheath 1800 (and/or the vacuum bag) creates a force or pressuredifferential between the inner 1540 and outer 1530 surfaces of the upper1500 (since the rigid last 1520 at least partly resists this compressiveforce which results in the upper 1500 experiencing the compressiveforce). In such aspects, this pressure differential can at least partlyprovide the environment necessary to restrict the flow of the melted lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and/or provide embossing orpatterning to the outer surface 1530 of the upper 1500.

In certain aspects, the upper 1500 can be positioned on the last 1520when formed of a rigid material and the outer surface 1530 of the upper1500 (with or without the protective sheath 1800) can be exposed to apressure above a T_(m)ospheric pressure to create this pressuredifferential. In another aspect, the upper 1500 can be positioned on thelast 1520 and a negative pressure can be applied between the innersurface 1540 of the upper 1500 and the last 1520 to compress the upper1500 onto the rigid last 1520.

In aspects, the pressure differential across the inner 1540 and outer1530 surfaces of the upper 1500 can also aid in forming thethree-dimensional structure of the article of footwear during thethermoforming process. That is, in such aspects, as the low processingtemperature polymeric composition is melting the melted material and theupper 1500 are forced up against the rigid last 1520, which when cooled,results in the upper 1500 taking on the shape of the last 1520.

In alternative aspects, this force or pressure differential between theinner 1540 and outer 1530 surfaces of the upper 1500 can be achieved inanother manner. For example, in certain aspects, the last 1520 can be anexpandable last 1520, which can apply an outward force to the innersurface 1540 of the upper 1500. In such aspects, to achieve the pressuredifferential, the outer surface 1530 of the upper 1500 can be contactingsome type of material that will at least partly resist the outward forceapplied by the expanding of the last 1520.

As discussed above, a vacuum bag can be applied to the upper 1500positioned on the last 1520, with or without the protective sheath 1800.FIG. 20A depicts the upper 1500 positioned on the last 1520 inside of avacuum bag 2010. As used herein the term “vacuum bag” refers to anymaterial that can compress onto the outer surface of an object.

In the aspect depicted in FIG. 20A, the vacuum bag 2010 can include avalve 2012 for reducing pressure inside the vacuum bag 2010. Forexample, the pressure can be reduced between the outer surface 1530 ofthe upper 1500 (or an outer surface of the protective sheath 1800 on theupper 1500) and the inside 2014 of the vacuum bag 2010, which willcompress the vacuum bag onto the outer surface 1530 of the upper 1500(or an outer surface of the protective sheath 1800 on the upper 1500).FIG. 20B depicts the vacuum bag 2010 compressed onto the outer surface1530 of the upper 1500 (or an outer surface of the protective sheath1800 on the upper 1500). As discussed above, the compression of thevacuum bag 2010 onto the upper 1500 can provide, at least partly, thepressure differential discussed above with reference to FIGS. 15-19.

FIG. 21 depicts a thermoforming system 2100. The thermoforming system2100 of FIG. 21 can include the upper 1500 positioned on the last 1520with a vacuum bag 2010 compressed onto the upper 1500, as discussedabove with respect to FIGS. 20A and 20B.

As discussed above, the thermoforming process includes increasing thetemperature of the textile material, e.g., the upper 1500, to atemperature that can cause at least a portion of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition present in the upper 1500 to melt andflow, or to deform. Further, the thermoforming process includes thesubsequent decreasing of the temperature of the upper 1500 to solidifythe melted low processing temperature polymeric composition into thedesired shape, such as an article of footwear.

The thermoforming system 2100 includes a heating zone 2110 that can beconfigured to heat the entire upper 1500. In aspects, the heating zone2110 heats the entire upper 1500 to a temperature that is above themelting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition present in the upper 1500.

In various aspects, it is to be understood that although the heatingused in thermoforming have been discussed specifically with regard toapplication with an upper 1500, this is only an exemplary aspect ofheating and thermoforming for the disclosed articles and processes. Thatis, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that any of thedisclosed heating methods used to provide a heating zone in thethermoforming systems and processes can be utilized to heat forthermoforming any disclosed article comprising a first shaped component,a first film, a first textile, a first yarn, or a first fiber and asecond shaped component, a second film, a second textile, a second yarn,or a second fiber positioned on a molding surface, with the ensemblecovered, at least in part, with a vacuum bag, a protective sheath, or acombination of a protective sheath and a vacuum, and then heat to atemperature of above the T_(m) of a low processing temperaturecomposition. The first shaped component, the first film, the firsttextile, the first yarn, or the first fiber comprises the low processingtemperature composition.

In aspects, heating the entire upper 1500 can provide for a moreefficient streamlined thermoforming process. For example, because shapedcomponent, films, textiles, fibers and/or yarns comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and the shaped components,films, textiles, fibers and/or yarns comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition are selected and targeted to specificareas of the upper, it is not necessary to thermoform only a portion ofthe upper (such as, for example, by masking a portion of the upper orapplying heat to only a portion of the upper), since the high processingtemperature polymeric composition can be resistant to undergoing anydeformation or melting under conditions that can thermoform the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition. However, optionally,additional thermal processing steps may be performed on the thermoformedarticle of the present disclosure. For example, one or more surfaces ofa thermoformed article may be subjected to additional thermoformingprocesses, for example, to thermally attach cleats to a ground-facingsurface of an article of footwear prepared using the thermoformingprocesses described herein.

As discussed above, it is desirable that the thermoforming process doesnot deform or alter the shaped components, films, textiles, fibersand/or yarn comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition. In such aspects, the heating zone 2110 can heat the entireupper 1500 to a temperature that is below at least one of the creeprelaxation temperature T_(cr), the heat deflection temperature T_(hd),or a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition or of the fibers and/or yarncomprising the high processing temperature polymeric composition.

In one or more aspects, the heating zone 2110 can increase thetemperature of the entire upper 1500 to a temperature of from about 90°C. to about 240° C. In aspects, the heating zone 2110 can increase thetemperature of the entire upper 1500 to a temperature of from about 90°C. to about 200° C. In one aspect, the heating zone 2110 can increasethe temperature of the entire upper 1500 to a temperature of from about110° C. to about 180° C.

In certain aspects, the temperature of the entire upper 1500 can beincreased for about 10 seconds to about 5 minutes. In aspects, thetemperature of the entire upper 1500 can be increased for about 30seconds to about 5 minutes. In one aspect, the temperature of the entireupper 1500 can be increased for about 30 seconds to about 3 minutes.

In one or more aspects, the heating zone 2110 can expose the entireupper 1500 to a temperature of from about 90° C. to about 240° C. Inaspects, the heating zone 2110 can expose the entire upper 1500 to atemperature of from about 90° C. to about 200° C. In one aspect, theheating zone 2110 can expose the entire upper 1500 to a temperature offrom about 110° C. to about 180° C.

In certain aspects, the entire upper 1500 can be exposed to one or moreof the heating zone 2110 temperatures or ranges discussed above forabout 10 seconds to about 5 minutes. In aspects, the entire upper 1500can be exposed to one or more of the heating zone 2110 temperatures orranges discussed above from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes. In oneaspect, the entire upper 1500 can be exposed to one or more of theheating zone 2110 temperatures or ranges discussed above from about 30seconds to about 3 minutes.

In certain aspects, the heating zone 2110 can expose the entire upper1500 to a pressure of about 50 kPa to about 300 kPa. In aspects, theheating zone 2110 can expose the entire upper 1500 to a pressure ofabout 50 kPa to about 250 kPa. In one aspect, the heating zone 2110 canexpose the entire upper 1500 to a pressure of about from about 100 kPato about 300 kPa.

In certain aspects, the entire upper 1500 can be exposed the heatingzone 2110 under the above conditions multiple times in a row prior toundergoing the cooling step. For example, in some aspects, the entireupper 1500 can be exposed the heating zone 2110 under the aboveconditions 2-10 times in a row prior to undergoing the cooling step. Inan alternative example, in some aspects, the entire upper 1500 can beexposed the heating zone 2110 under the above conditions twice in a rowprior to undergoing the cooling step.

In various aspects, subsequent to increasing the temperature of theentire upper 1500, the temperature of the entire upper 1500 is decreasedto a temperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition for a duration of timesufficient for the low processing temperature polymeric composition tosolidify. For example, the heating zone 2110 can be heated using athermal energy source, including, but not limited to, conventionalheaters, such as convection heating, a conventional oven,air-circulating oven or forced hot air oven, steam, targeted microwaveheat, ultraviolet radiation, infrared heating, and combinations of anyof the foregoing. The thermal energy source can further comprise aplurality of thermal energy sources such as a plurality of similarsources, e.g., a plurality of heating coils or infrared emitters.Alternatively, a plurality of thermal energy sources can comprise aplurality of one or more different thermal energy sources, e.g., aplurality of heating coils and a plurality of infrared emitters that canbe used simultaneously or sequentially, or alternatively, used in a modewhere only one of the plurality of thermal energy sources is used at anygiven time.

In some aspects, heating can be carried out such that heat istransferred from another material or object to an entire upper 1500. Forexample, a molding surface, such as a last, can itself be heateddirectly, e.g., via configuration as a resistive heating element. In analternative aspect, a molding surface, such as a last, can be preheatedto the desired temperature immediately prior to positioning an upper, atextile or an article thereon. In the foregoing aspects, the moldingsurface itself can act as a heating zone that transfers heat to anentire upper.

In some aspects, heating of heating zone can be carried out usingradio-frequency heating, e.g., microwave radiation, such that theradio-frequency heats the compositions via interaction of aradio-frequency field with a composition, such as a low processingtemperature composition, that is part of an upper, textile or article.

Further, in certain aspects, the entire upper 1500 can be exposed to theheating zone 2110 either by moving the entire upper 1500 into theheating zone 2110 or by the heating zone 2110 moving to where the upper1500 is positioned and then moving away after the heating step. Themovements of the upper 1500 and/or the heating zone 2110 can beautomated or semi-automated using conventional conveyance systems.

In certain aspects, subsequent to heating the entire upper 1500, theentire upper 1500 is cooled to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition. In such aspects, the entire upper 1500 can be exposed toreduced temperatures in the cooling zone 2112 either by moving to thecooling zone 2112 or by the cooling zone 2112 moving the upper 1500. Thecooling zone 2112 can expose the entire upper 1500 to a pressure ofabout 0 kPa.

In one or more aspects, the entire upper 1500, when in the cooling zone2112, can be exposed to a temperature of about −25° C. to about 25° C.In aspects, the entire upper 1500, when in the cooling zone 2112, can beexposed to a temperature of about −10° C. to about 25° C. In one aspect,the entire upper 1500, when in the cooling zone 2112, can be exposed toa temperature of about from about −10° C. to about 10° C.

In certain aspects, the entire upper 1500 can be exposed to one or moreof the cooling zone 2112 temperatures or ranges discussed above forabout 10 seconds to about 5 minutes. In aspects, the entire upper 1500can be exposed to one or more of the cooling zone 2112 temperatures orranges discussed above for about 10 seconds to about 3 minutes. In oneaspect, the entire upper 1500 can be exposed to one or more of thecooling zone 2112 temperatures or ranges discussed above for about 10seconds to about 2.5 minutes.

In certain aspects, once the upper 1500 has been cooled as describedabove the vacuum bag 2010 and protective sheath 1800 can be removed. Insuch aspects, any additional components can now be applied to the upper1500, such as the ground-engaging cleats 1410 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 22 depicts one exemplary process 2200 of manufacturing an upper fora shoe. The process 2200 can include the step 2210 of receiving an upperthat includes a first material or component formed of a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, and a second material or componentformed of a high processing temperature polymeric composition.

In accordance with the exemplary process 2200 of FIG. 22 and of thisdisclosure generally, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can be present in the form of fibers (e.g., fibers thatconsist essentially of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition). The low processing temperature polymeric composition canbe present in the received upper in the form of a yarn (e.g., a yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition, a yarnformed entirely of fibers comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition, a yarn formed partially of fibers comprising thelow processing temperature polymeric composition). Additionally oralternatively, the low processing temperature polymeric composition canbe present in the form of fibers that are not part of a yarn structure.For example, the fibers can comprise the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition, or can consist essentially of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition. The low processing temperaturepolymeric composition also can be present in the form of a textile(including knit, braided, woven, and non-woven textiles), a film, asheet, or a molded article, such as an injection molded article. The lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition can also be present in theform of a foamed material.

Although certain aspects of the disclosure have been exemplified withparticularity in relation to an article of footwear or an upper, theexemplified aspects can be generally understood to be used, within thescope of the disclosure, to be applicable to other disclosed aspects.For example, any disclosed low processing temperature composition can beutilized to form, fabricate, or manufacture a shaped component, a film,a textile, or other article, and used in the processes disclosed herein.Similarly, any disclosed high processing temperature composition can beutilized to form, fabricate, or manufacture a shaped component, a film,a textile, or other article, and used in the processes disclosed herein.Accordingly, any such a shaped component, a film, a textile, or otherarticle comprising a low processing temperature composition can beoptionally brought into contact with a shaped component, a film, atextile, or other article comprising a high processing temperaturecomposition, and positioned on a molding surface. In some aspects, themolding surface can be a mold, a form, or a last. A protective sheathand/or a vacuum bag can be positioned thereon, a compressive forceapplied, and a heating zone provided thereto as described in the presentdisclosure.

In certain aspects, the second material formed from the high processingtemperature polymeric composition can exhibit at least one of a creeprelaxation temperature T_(cr), a heat deflection temperature T_(hd), ora Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is greater than the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition. The material formed from the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can include any or all of the properties of thelow processing temperature polymeric composition described above. Thesecond material formed from the high processing temperature polymericcomposition can include any or all of the properties of the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition described above. The secondmaterial formed from the high processing temperature polymericcomposition can be present in the form of fibers (e.g., fibers thatconsist essentially of the high processing temperature polymericcomposition). The high processing temperature polymeric composition canbe present in the received upper in the form of a yarn (e.g., a yarncomprising the high processing temperature polymeric composition, a yarnformed entirely of fibers comprising the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition, a yarn formed partially of fibers comprising thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition). Additionally oralternatively, the high processing temperature polymeric composition canbe present in the form of fibers that are not part of a yarn structure.For example, the fibers can comprise the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition, or can consist essentially of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition. The high processing temperaturepolymeric composition also can be present in the form of a textile(including knit, braided, woven, and non-woven textiles), a film, asheet, or a molded article, such as an injection molded article. Thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition can also be present inthe form of a foamed material. In certain aspects, the upper can includeany or all of the properties of the upper 1500 described above withreference to FIGS. 15-21. Further, the upper can be formed using any ofthe textiles described above, such as the textile 300 of FIG. 3.

While the low processing temperature polymeric composition and the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition can be present as separatematerials or components of the received upper (e.g., in separate fibers,yarns, textiles, films, etc.), they can also be present in the samecomponent (e.g., yarns including fibers formed from the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and separate fibers formed from thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition; textiles includingyarns formed from the low processing temperature polymeric compositionand separate yarns formed from the high processing temperature polymericcomposition). In other words, in the received upper, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition are present in materials or components which areseparate and distinct from each other at least at the fiber level.

In one or more aspects, in a first portion of the upper, when the uppercomprises a knit textile having a first yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition and a second yarn comprising a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition, at least one of the firstyarn and the second yarn form a plurality of interconnected loops, suchas the plurality of interconnected loops depicted in FIG. 6, 7A, or 9.

In the step 2220 of the process 2200, the upper is placed on a last,such as that depicted in FIGS. 15-17. In various aspects, the last canformed of a rigid material or can be an expandable last. Further, asdescribed above, the upper can have a chassis, heel counter, or othercomponents inserted into the upper prior to being placed on a last.

In the step 2230 of the process 2200, the temperature of the entireupper is increased, for example, heated, while on the last, to atemperature that is above the melting temperature T_(m) of the firstyarn composition and below at least one of the creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr), the heat deflection temperature T_(hd), or the Vicatsoftening temperature T_(vs) of the second yarn composition. In variousaspects, the entire upper can be heated using the thermoforming system2100 described above with respect to FIG. 21. The upper can be heatedusing any or all of the parameters described above with respect to thethermoforming system of FIG. 21.

In step 2240 of the process 2200, subsequent to heating the temperatureof the entire upper is decreased to a temperature below a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition while the upper remains on the last. For example, the entireupper can be cooled while on the last to form the thermoformed upper. Invarious aspects, the entire upper can be cooled using the thermoformingsystem 2100 described above with respect to FIG. 21. The upper can becooled using any or all of the parameters described above with respectto the thermoforming system of FIG. 21.

After thermoforming the received upper, as the thermoforming isconducted at a temperature at or greater than a melting temperatureT_(m) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition but lessthan a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr), or a heat deflectiontemperature T_(hd), or a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) of the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition, the second material orcomponent (fiber, yarn, textile, sheet, molded article, etc.) comprisingthe high processing temperature polymeric composition retains itsoriginal physical structure (e.g., as a fiber, a yarn, a textile, etc.),while the first material or component comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition has been deformed and its originalstructure has been modified, or has melted and solidified into a newphysical structure.

FIG. 23 depicts one exemplary process 2300 of manufacturing an upper fora shoe. The process 2300 can include the step 2310 of receiving an upperthat includes a first yarn and a second yarn, where the first yarnincludes a low processing temperature polymeric composition and thesecond yarn includes a high processing temperature polymericcomposition. The low processing temperature polymeric composition caninclude one or more first thermoplastic polymers, and the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition can include one or moresecond thermoplastic polymers. In aspects, the first and secondthermoplastic polymers can include any or all of the parametersdiscussed above with respect to thermoplastic polymers. In certainaspects, the upper can include any or all of the properties of the upper1500 described above with reference to FIGS. 15-21. Further, the uppercan be formed using any of the textiles described above, such as thetextile 300 of FIG. 3.

In certain aspects, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit at least one of a creep relaxation temperatureT_(cr), a heat deflection temperature T_(hd), or a Vicat softeningtemperature T_(vs) that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition. The low processingtemperature polymeric composition can include any or all of theproperties of the low processing temperature polymeric compositiondescribed above. The high processing temperature polymeric compositioncan include any or all of the properties of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition described above. Further, the firstand second yarn can exhibit any or all of the properties and parametersdiscussed above.

In one or more aspects, in a first portion of the upper, at least one ofthe first yarn and the second yarn form a plurality of interconnectedloops, such as the plurality of interconnected loops depicted in FIG. 6,7A, or 9.

In the step 2320 of the process 2300, the upper is placed on a last,such as that depicted in FIGS. 15-17. In various aspects, the last canformed of a rigid material or can be an expandable last. Further, asdescribed above, the upper can have a chassis, heel counter, or othercomponents inserted into the upper prior to being placed on a last.

In the step 2330 of the process 2300, the entire upper is heated, whileon the last, to a temperature that is above the melting temperatureT_(m) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition and belowat least one of the creep relaxation temperature T_(cr), the heatdeflection temperature T_(hd), or the Vicat softening temperature T_(vs)of the high processing temperature polymeric composition. In variousaspects, the entire upper can be heated using the thermoforming system2100 described above with respect to FIG. 21. The upper can be heatedusing any or all of the parameters described above with respect to thethermoforming system of FIG. 21.

In step 2340 of the process 2300, subsequent to heating the entireupper, the entire upper is cooled while on the last to form thethermoformed upper. In various aspects, the entire upper can be cooledusing the thermoforming system 2100 described above with respect to FIG.21. The upper can be cooled using any or all of the parameters describedabove with respect to the thermoforming system of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 depicts a process 2400 for manufacturing an upper for a shoe.The process 2400 can include the step 2410 of receiving an upperincluding one or more first fibers and one or more second fibers. Theone or more first fibers can include a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition that includes one or more first thermoplasticpolymers. The low processing temperature polymeric composition can haveany or all of the properties discussed above with respect to the lowprocessing temperature polymeric compositions. The one or more secondfibers include a high processing temperature polymeric composition thatincludes one or more second thermoplastic polymers. The high processingtemperature polymeric composition can have any or all of the propertiesdiscussed above with respect to the high processing temperaturepolymeric compositions. In aspects, the first and second thermoplasticpolymers can include any or all of the parameters discussed above withrespect to thermoplastic polymers. Further, in aspects, the first andsecond fibers can include any or all of the properties discussed abovewith respect to fibers.

In one aspect, the high processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits at least one of: a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr), a heatdeflection temperature T_(hd), or a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs)that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition of the one or more first fibers.

In certain aspects, the upper can include a ground-facing outsole area,where at least a portion of the first fibers are present in theground-facing outsole area.

The process 2400 can include the step 2420 of placing the upper on alast such that at least a portion of the ground-facing outsole areacovers at least a bottom portion of the last, such as that depicted inFIGS. 15-17. In various aspects, the last can be formed or a rigidmaterial or can be an expandable last. Further, as described above, theupper can have a chassis and/or heel counter inserted into the upperprior to being placed on a last.

The process 2400 can also include the step 2430 of heating the entireupper, while on the last to a temperature that is above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and below at least one of the creep relaxation temperatureT_(cr), the heat deflection temperature T_(hd), or the Vicat softeningtemperature T_(vs) of the high processing temperature polymericcomposition. In various aspects, the entire upper can be heated usingthe thermoforming system 2100 described above with respect to FIG. 21.The upper can be heated using any or all of the parameters describedabove with respect to the thermoforming system of FIG. 21.

In step 2440 of the process 2400, subsequent to heating the entireupper, the entire upper is cooled while on the last to form thethermoformed upper. In various aspects, the entire upper can be cooledusing the thermoforming system 2100 described above with respect to FIG.21. The upper can be cooled using any or all of the parameters describedabove with respect to the thermoforming system of FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 depicts a process 2500 for making a knit upper for an article offootwear. The process 2500 includes the step 2510 for knitting a firstcourse that comprises loops of a first yarn and a second yarn. Inaspects, the first yarn includes a low processing temperature polymericcomposition and the second yarn includes a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. The low processing temperature polymericcomposition can include one or more first thermoplastic polymers, andthe high processing temperature polymeric composition can include one ormore second thermoplastic polymers. In aspects, the first and secondthermoplastic polymers can include any or all of the parametersdiscussed above with respect to thermoplastic polymers. In certainaspects, the upper can include any or all of the properties of the upper1500 described above with reference to FIGS. 15-21.

In certain aspects, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit at least one of a creep relaxation temperatureT_(cr), a heat deflection temperature T_(hd), or a Vicat softeningtemperature T_(vs) that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition. The low processingtemperature polymeric composition can include any or all of theproperties of the low processing temperature polymeric compositiondescribed above. The high processing temperature polymeric compositioncan include any or all of the properties of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition described above. Further, the firstand second yarn can exhibit any or all of the properties and parametersdiscussed above.

The process 2500 also can include the step 2520 of knitting a secondcourse that comprises loops of the first yarn and the second yarn. Inaspects, the first and second courses can be knitted using anycommercial knitting techniques as described above. In aspects, at leasta portion of the first course and at least a portion of the secondcourse form a plurality of interconnected loops, such as that depictedin FIG. 6.

FIG. 26 depicts a process 2600 for forming a knit article. The process2600 can include the step 2610 of knitting a first course of loops thatcomprise a first yarn and a second yarn. In aspects, the first yarnincludes a low processing temperature polymeric composition and thesecond yarn includes a high processing temperature polymericcomposition. The low processing temperature polymeric composition caninclude one or more first thermoplastic polymers, and the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition can include one or moresecond thermoplastic polymers. In aspects, the first and secondthermoplastic polymers can include any or all of the parametersdiscussed above with respect to thermoplastic polymers.

In certain aspects, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit at least one of a creep relaxation temperatureT_(cr), a heat deflection temperature T_(hd), or a Vicat softeningtemperature T_(vs) that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition. The low processingtemperature polymeric composition can include any or all of theproperties of the low processing temperature polymeric compositiondescribed above. The high processing temperature polymeric compositioncan include any or all of the properties of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition described above. Further, the firstand second yarn can exhibit any or all of the properties and parametersdiscussed above.

Step 2620 of the process 2600, includes knitting an anchor yarn to oneor more loops of the first yarn present in the first course of loops.The anchor yarn includes an anchor yarn composition, where the anchoryarn composition includes one or more polymers. The anchor yarncomposition exhibits an elongation that is less than an elongation ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition. In aspects, theanchor yarn can have any or all of the properties of the anchor yarndiscussed above with reference to FIGS. 4B, 4E, 10A, and 10B.

In aspects, the first course of loops can be present on an outer surfaceof the knit upper. In such aspects, the outer surface of the knit uppercan comprise a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone, where thesecond zone is positioned between the first and third zones. Further, insuch aspects, the third zone has an increased concentration of the firstyarn compared to the second zone. The first zone, second zone, and thirdzone can include any or all of the properties of the textile zones 306a, 304 a, and 302, respectively, discussed above with reference to thetextile 300 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 27 depicts a process 2700 for making an upper for an article offootwear. Step 2710 of the process 2700 includes forming a ground-facingoutsole area that comprises a first set of one or more first fibers. Insuch aspects, the one or more first fibers can comprise a low processingtemperature polymeric composition that includes one or more firstthermoplastic polymers.

The process 2700 can include the step 2720 of forming a second areacomprising one or more second fibers and a second set of one or morefirst fibers. In such aspects, the one or more second fibers include ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition that includes one ormore second thermoplastic fibers. The high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits at least one of: a creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr); a heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or a Vicatsoftening temperature T_(vs) that is greater than the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition of the one or more first fibers. The first and secondfibers, low and high processing temperature polymeric compositions, andfirst and second thermoplastic polymers, can include any or all of therespective properties discussed above.

Textiles, Yarns and Fibers

As discussed above, the fibers, yarns, textiles, films, and shapedcomponents described herein can include the selective incorporation of alow processing temperature polymeric composition and/or the selectiveincorporation of a high processing temperature polymeric composition. Inaspects, such low processing temperature polymeric compositions can bepresent in the form of fibers comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition. In some aspects, the fibers comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition are essentially free of ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition. In other aspects, thefibers comprising the low processing temperature polymeric compositionconsist essentially of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition. These fibers can be used to form yarns which in turn can beused to form textiles, including knit, woven or braided textiles, inaccordance with the present disclosure. These fibers can also be used toform non-woven textiles in accordance with the present disclosure.

Similarly, the high processing temperature polymeric compositionsdescribed above can be present in the form of fibers comprising the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. In some aspects, thefibers comprising the high processing temperature polymeric compositionare essentially free of a low processing temperature polymericcomposition. In other aspects, the fibers comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition consist essentially of the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. These fibers can be usedto form yarns which in turn can be used to form textiles, includingknit, woven or braided textiles, in accordance with the presentdisclosure. These fibers can also be used to form non-woven textiles inaccordance with the present disclosure.

In some aspects, the fibers and/or yarns comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition can further comprise a high processingtemperature polymeric composition. For example, the fibers can bebi-component fibers having the low processing temperature polymericcomposition present on at least a portion of an external surface of thefibers. For example, the low and high processing temperature polymericcompositions can have a side-by-side structure, or can have acore-and-sheath structure, with the low processing temperature polymericcomposition present in the sheath. In certain aspects, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition, or both, can also include one or moreconventional additives found in yarns or fibers that comprise polymericmaterials. While the foregoing can only describe the properties andparameters of a yarn or yarn composition it should be understood thatsuch properties and parameters also apply to a fiber or fibercomposition, unless otherwise mentioned.

In certain aspects, one or more of the yarns can be mono-filament yarnsor multi-filament yarns. In certain aspects, the yarns can be spunyarns. In various aspects, one or more of the yarns can be formed usingconventional techniques including, but not limited to, melt-spinning,solution spinning, or electrospinning.

In certain aspects, the fibers described herein can be fibers of varyingsizes, including fibers that are not suitable for spinning into spinninginto commercial yarns. The yarns described herein include yarns that aresuitable for use in a commercial knitting machine as well as yarns thatare not individually suitable for use in a commercial knitting machine.

In certain aspects, the yarns and/or fibers described herein can be usedto provide a specific functionality. For example in certain aspects, ayarn comprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition canbe thermoformed to form a film having water-proof or water-resistantproperties. In such aspects, a film on the outer surface of an articlecould be provided by utilizing yarns and or fibers comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric material on an outer portion of atextile, including a knit structure forming a textile.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, one or more of the yarns and/orfibers can be dyed, e.g., for aesthetic purposes. In various aspects,the yarns and/or fibers can be dyed using conventional dyeingtechniques, such as package dyeing or solution dyeing. Generally,package dyeing is a process that is performed on already formed yarnsand/or fibers, while solution dyeing dyes the fibers prior to formingthe fibers into yarn. In certain aspects, a yarn or fiber that comprisesthe high processing temperature polymeric composition can be dyed. Incertain aspects, a yarn or fiber that comprises the low processingtemperature polymeric composition is not dyed, and can be formed from apolymeric composition that is essentially free of pigments or dyes,which can result in the region comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition being clear or nearly transparent (e.g., thenon-yarn or non-fiber material upon thermoforming).

In certain aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can exhibit a tenacity of from about 1 gram/denierto about 5 grams/denier. In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising thelow processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a tenacityof from about 1.5 grams/denier to about 4.5 grams/denier. In one aspect,a yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncan exhibit a tenacity of from about 2 grams/denier to about 4.5grams/denier. “Tenacity” as used herein refers to a property of a fiberor yarn, and is determined using the respective testing method andsampling procedure described below in the Property Analysis AndCharacterization Procedures section.

In various aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can exhibit an elongation of from about 10% toabout 130%. In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition can exhibit an elongation of fromabout 20% to about 130%. In one aspect, a yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit an elongationof from about 40% to about 130%. The term “elongation” as used hereinrefers to a property of a fiber or yarn and the respective testingmethod described below in the Property Analysis And CharacterizationProcedures section.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, it can be desired to utilize ayarn that is suitable for use on commercial knitting equipment. Afree-standing shrinkage of a yarn at 50° C. is one property that can bepredictive of a suitable yarn for use on a commercial knitting machine.In certain aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can exhibit a free-standing shrinkage when heatedfrom 20° C. to 50° C. of from about 0% to about 60%. In one or moreaspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit a free-standing shrinkage when heated from 20°C. to 50° C. of from about 0% to about 30%. In one aspect, a yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition canexhibit a free-standing shrinkage when heated from 20° C. to 50° C. offrom about 0% to about 20%. The term “free-standing shrinkage” as usedherein refers to a property of a yarn and a respective testing methoddescribed below in the Property Analysis And Characterization Proceduressection.

In one or more aspects, the free-standing shrinkage of a yarn at 70° C.can be a useful indicator of the ability of a yarn to be exposed tocertain environmental conditions without any substantial changes to thephysical structure of the yarn. In certain aspects, a yarn comprisingthe low processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit afree-standing shrinkage when heated from 20° C. to 70° C. of from about0% to about 60%. In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a free-standingshrinkage when heated from 20° C. to 70° C. of from about 0% to about30%. In one aspect, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can exhibit a free-standing shrinkage when heatedfrom 20° C. to 70° C. of from about 0% to about 20%.

In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can exhibit a modulus of from about 1 MPa to about500 MPa. In certain aspects, a yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition can exhibit a modulus of from about 5MPa to about 150 MPa. In one aspect, a yarn comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a modulus offrom about 20 MPa to about 130 MPa. In another aspect, a yarn comprisingthe low processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit amodulus of from about 30 MPa to about 120 MPa. In yet another aspect, ayarn comprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition canexhibit a modulus of from about 40 MPa to about 110 MPa. The term“modulus” as used herein refers to a respective testing method describedbelow in the Property Analysis And Characterization Procedures section.

In one or more aspects, when present in plaque form, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition can exhibit a modulus of from about 1MPa to about 500 MPa. In certain aspects, in plaque form, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a modulus offrom about 5 MPa to about 150 MPa. In one aspect, in plaque form, thelow processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a modulusof from about 20 MPa to about 130 MPa. In another aspect, in plaqueform, the low processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit amodulus of from about 30 MPa to about 120 MPa. In yet another aspect, inplaque form, the low processing temperature polymeric composition canexhibit a modulus of from about 40 MPa to about 110 MPa.

In one or more aspects, when a yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition is brought to a temperature above themelting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 1 Mpa to about 500 MPa.In aspects, when a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition is brought to a temperature above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 5 Mpa to about 150 MPa.In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition is brought to a temperature above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 20 Mpa to about 130 MPa.In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition is brought to a temperature above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 30 MPa to about 120 MPa.In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition is brought to a temperature above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 40 MPa to about 110 MPa.

In various aspects, when a yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition is present in a textile and has beenbrought to temperature above the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and then brought to atemperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition, when tested at approximately 20° C.and 1 A T_(m) of pressure, the resulting thermoformed material (ormelted yarn component) exhibits a cold ross flex of from about 5000cycles to about 500,000 cycles. In one or more aspects, when a yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition ispresent in a textile and has been brought to temperature above themelting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (or melted yarn component)exhibits a cold ross flex of from about 10,000 cycles to about 300,000cycles. In certain aspects, when a yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition is present in a textile and has beenbrought to temperature above the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition and then brought to atemperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition, when tested at approximately 20° C.and 1 A T_(m) of pressure, the resulting thermoformed material (ormelted yarn component) exhibits a cold ross flex of at least about150,000 cycles. The term “cold Ross flex” as used herein refers to arespective testing method described below in the Property Analysis AndCharacterization Procedures section.

In certain aspects, as discussed in detail below, an anchor yarn can beused to aid in restricting the flow of a melted material, e.g., a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition, during the thermoformingprocess and/or to impart some flexibility to the thermoformed material.In such aspects, the anchor yarn can exhibit an elongation that is lessthan the elongation of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, such as a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition or a melted yarn component produced bythermoforming such a yarn. For example, in aspects, the anchor yarn canexhibit an elongation that is at least about 10% less than theelongation of a yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition or a melted yarn component produced by thermoforming a yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition. In oneaspect, the anchor yarn can exhibit an elongation that at least about25% less than the elongation of a yarn comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition or a melted yarn component produced bythermoforming a yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition. In another aspect, the anchor yarn can exhibit anelongation that at least about 50% less than the elongation of a yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition or amelted yarn component produced by thermoforming a yarn comprising thelow processing temperature polymeric composition. In yet another aspect,the anchor yarn can exhibit an elongation that at least about 75% lessthan the elongation of a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition or a melted yarn component produced bythermoforming a yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition. Exemplary anchor yarns include polyamide yarns, polyolefinyarns, and polyester yarns, including yarns having tenacities of fromabout 5 grams per denier to about 10 grams per denier.

The anchor yarn can be formed of a high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more polymers. The one or more polymers ofthe anchor yarn high processing temperature polymeric composition can bethermoplastic polymers. In certain aspects, the one or more polymers ofthe high processing temperature polymeric composition of the anchor yarncan be the same one or more polymers of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition forming a second yarn used in a textile includingthe anchor yarn. In other aspects, the one or more polymers of the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition of the anchor yarn aredifferent from the one or more polymers of the high processingtemperature polymeric composition forming a second yarn used in atextile including the anchor yarn.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, the low processing temperaturepolymeric compositions and the high processing temperature polymericcompositions have differing properties. In various aspects, thesediffering properties allow for the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, during a thermoforming process, to melt and flow, andsubsequently cool and solidify into a different structure than thatprior to the thermoforming process (e.g., thermoform from a yarn to amelted yarn component), while the high processing temperature polymericcomposition cannot deform or melt during such a process and can maintainits structure (e.g., as a yarn), when the thermoforming process isconducted at a temperature below the creep relaxation temperature, theheat deflection temperature, or the Vicat softening temperature of thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition. In such aspects, themelted yarn component formed from the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition during the thermoforming process can be integrallyconnected to the non-altered structure (e.g., a yarn or fiber), whichcan provide three-dimensional structure and/or other properties targetedto specific spots on an article of wear.

In various aspects, one or more of the disclosed yarns can be a coatedyarn. In a further aspect, the coated yarn can be any suitable yarn thathas formed thereupon a coating layer comprising a thermoplastic coatingcomposition.

In certain aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition comprises alow processing temperature polymeric composition and optionally one ormore additives. In a further aspect, the thermoplastic coatingcomposition comprises a low processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally one or moreadditives. In a still further aspect, the thermoplastic coatingcomposition comprises a low processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising a thermoplastic poly(ether-block-amide) and optionally one ormore additives.

In certain aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition comprises ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition and optionally one ormore additives. In a further aspect, the thermoplastic coatingcomposition comprises a high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally oneor more additives. In a still further aspect, the thermoplastic coatingcomposition comprises a high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising a thermoplastic poly(ether-block-amide) andoptionally one or more additives.

In certain aspects, the coated yarn coated can be a monofilament ormultifilament yarn. The yarns can be based on natural or manmade fibersincluding polyester, high tenacity polyester, polyamide yarns, metalyarns, stretch yarns, carbon yarns, glass yarns, polyethylene orpolyolefin yarns, bi-component yarns, PTFE yarns,ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns, liquid crystalpolymer yarns, specialty decorative yarns or reflective yarns or amulti-component yarn comprising one or more of the yarns.

In certain aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition comprises aTPU. In some aspects, the TPU can be any such material as described inthe present disclosure, e.g., a TPU prepared by polymerizing aromaticisocyanate or aliphatic isocyanate with polyether polyol orpolycarprolactone using short chain glycol (e.g., 1,4-butanediol) as achain extender, or mixtures of different types of disclosed TPUs.Alternatively, in other aspects, the TPU can be a commercially availableTPU.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition can furthercomprise an additive, such as, but not limited to, be one or more of athickener, processing aid, a dye or colorant. In a further aspect, theadditive is not optional and comprises at least one thickener. In astill further aspect, the additive is not optional and comprises atleast one processing aid. In yet a further aspect, the additive is notoptional and comprises at least one thickener and at least oneprocessing aid. In certain aspects, the thickener can comprise aninorganic material such as silica, talc, or calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).

In certain aspects, as described herein, a thickener can be used duringthe preparation of the thermoplastic coating composition in order toimprove productivity and matting properties. In a further aspect, thethickener is silica powder, talc, or CaCO₃. The thickener acts, at leastin part, to increase the viscosity of the thermoplastic coatingcomposition. In a still further aspect, the thickener that is used inthe disclosed thermoplastic coating compositions can be an alloy with aresin such as a styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) block copolymer, astyrene ethylene/butylene styrene (SEBS) resin, a polyacetal resin (POM)or a styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN), which can impart compatibilitywith thermoplastic polyurethane.

In certain aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition can comprise aprocessing agent in order to improve productivity. In a further aspect,the processing agent can be montane wax or a fatty acid ester (C5-C9)with pentaerythritol. Other processing agents are known to the skilledartisan and can also be used in the disclosed thermoplasticcompositions. An exemplary commercially available processing aid isESTANE 58277 (Lubrizol).

In certain aspects, the coated yarn having a desired color can beproduced by adding a master batch corresponding to the desired colorduring production of the TPU compound for coating yarn. In a furtheraspect, a TPU compound for coating yarn, which has a desired hardness,can be prepared by controlling the content of raw material. In a stillfurther aspect, the thickness of coated yarn can be reduced depending onthe thickness of yarn made of polyester, nylon, spandex or the like.

In certain aspects, the coated yarn can be prepared by compounding in aconventional extruder a thermoplastic coating composition comprising athermoplastic polymer, e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane, and optionallyalso including one or more additive, and then coating the compoundedthermoplastic polyurethane coating composition on the surface of a yarn.In a further aspect, the process for preparing the coated yarn comprisesthe steps of: 1) preparing formed thermoplastic pellets; and 2)producing coated yarn. The formed thermoplastic pellets can be preparedby the method disclosed herein, prepared by similar methods as known tothe skilled artisan, or obtained from a commercially available source.

The step of preparing formed thermoplastic pellets can comprise thefollowing steps: 1) mixing a thermoplastic polymer with variousadditives, e.g., a thickener and/or a processing aid, and feeding themixture into the hopper of a conventional compounding extruder; 2)melting, kneading and compounding the mixture in the cylinder of thecompounding extruder at a suitable temperature and pressure; 3) cuttingthe compounded thermoplastic coating composition, discharged through thedice of the compounding extruder, in cooling water to form pellets; and4) drying the formed thermoplastic polyurethane pellets at a suitabletemperature for about period of time and aging the dried pellets at asuitable temperature for a suitable period of time.

In a particular example, the step of preparing formed thermoplasticpellets comprises at least the steps of: 1) mixing thermoplasticpolyurethane with various additives, e.g., a thickener and/or aprocessing aid, and feeding the mixture into the hopper of aconventional compounding extruder; 2) melting, kneading and compoundingthe mixture in the cylinder of the compounding extruder at a temperatureof about 150-250° C. and a pressure of about 50-150 kgf; 3) cutting thecompounded thermoplastic polyurethane, discharged through the dice ofthe compounding extruder, in cooling water to form pellets; and 4)drying the formed thermoplastic polyurethane pellets at a temperature of60-80° C. for about 4-6 hours and aging the dried pellets at atemperature of 30-50° C. for about 7 days or more.

In certain aspects, the step of producing the coated yarn can comprisethe following steps: 1) mixing the formed thermoplastic polymer pellets,prepared as described above, with a master batch corresponding to adesired color and feeding the mixture into the hopper of a yarn coatingextruder; 2) melting the mixture of the formed thermoplastic polymerpellets and the master batch in the cylinder of the yarn coatingextruder at a suitable temperature and a suitable pressure; 3) coatingthe compounded thermoplastic polymer and master batch on the surface ofyarn passing through a nipple and a dice to produce coated yarn; and 4)winding the coated yarn around a bobbin using a winding machine.

In particular, the step of producing the coated yarn can comprise thefollowing steps: 1) mixing the formed thermoplastic polyurethane pelletswith a master batch corresponding to a desired color and feeding themixture into the hopper of a yarn coating extruder; 2) melting themixture of the formed thermoplastic polyurethane pellets and the masterbatch in the cylinder of the yarn coating extruder at a temperature ofabout 150-250° C. and a pressure of about 50-150 kgf; 3) coating thecompounded TPU and master batch on the surface of yarn (made ofpolyester, nylon, spandex or the like) passing through a nipple and adice to produce coated yarn; and 4) winding the coated yarn around abobbin using a winding machine.

An exemplary non-limiting example of a suitable commercially availablecoated yarn is Dream-Sil, which is a TPU coated yarn available fromSambu Fine Chemicals (Korea).

As discussed above, an anchor yarn can be used to aid in restricting theflow of a melted material, e.g., a low processing temperature polymericcomposition, during the thermoforming process and/or to impart someflexibility to the thermoformed material. In such aspects, the anchoryarn can not melt or deform during the thermoforming process. As such,in certain aspects, the anchor yarn can comprise an anchor yarncomposition comprising one or more third thermoplastic polymers suchthat the anchor yarn composition exhibits at least one of a creeprelaxation temperature T_(cr), a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs), aheat deflection temperature T_(hd), or a melting temperature T_(m) thatis greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of a low processingtemperature polymeric composition. In certain aspects, the anchor yarncomposition can have the specific ranges associated with theseproperties discussed above with respect to the high processingtemperature polymeric composition. In certain aspects, the anchor yarncan be formed of a high processing temperature polymeric compositions,and thus can comprise any of the thermoplastic polymers discussed abovewith reference to the high processing temperature polymeric composition.

In various aspects, a fiber or a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprises a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) from about90° C. to about 120° C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m)D3418-97 as described herein below. In a further aspect, the polyamideor poly(ether-block-amide) has a melting temperature (T_(m)) from about93° C. to about 99° C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m)D3418-97 as described herein below. In a still further aspect, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m))from about 112° C. to about 118° C. when determined in accordance withAS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In some aspects, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a melting temperature of about90° C., about 91° C., about 92° C., about 93° C., about 94° C., about95° C., about 96° C., about 97° C., about 98° C., about 99° C., about100° C., about 101° C., about 102° C., about 103° C., about 104° C.,about 105° C., about 106° C., about 107° C., about 108° C., about 109°C., about 110° C., about 111° C., about 112° C., about 113° C., about114° C., about 115° C., about 116° C., about 117° C., about 118° C.,about 119° C., about 120° C., any range of melting temperature (T_(m))values encompassed by any of the foregoing values, or any combination ofthe foregoing melting temperature (T_(m)) values, when determined inaccordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below.

In various aspects, a fiber or a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprises a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) fromabout −20° C. to about 30° C. when determined in accordance with AST_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In a further aspect, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) with a glass transition temperature(T_(m)) from about −13° C. to about −7° C. when determined in accordancewith AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In a still furtheraspect, the polyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a glass transitiontemperature (T_(m)) from about 17° C. to about 23° C. when determined inaccordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In someaspects, the polyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) with a glasstransition temperature (T_(m)) of about −20° C., about −19° C., about−18° C., about −17° C., about −16° C., about −15° C., about −14° C.,about −13° C., about −12° C., about −10° C., about −9° C., about −8° C.,about −7° C., about −6° C., about −5° C., about −4° C., about −3° C.,about −2° C., about −1° C., about 0° C., about 1° C., about 2° C., about3° C., about 4° C., about 5° C., about 6° C., about 7° C., about 8° C.,about 9° C., about 10° C., about 11° C., about 12° C., about 13° C.,about 14° C., about 15° C., about 16° C., about 17° C., about 18° C.,about 19° C., about 20° C., any range of glass transition temperaturevalues encompassed by any of the foregoing values, or any combination ofthe foregoing glass transition temperature values, when determined inaccordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below.

In various aspects, a fiber or a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprises a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melt flow index from about 10 cm³/10 minto about 30 cm³/10 min when tested in accordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13as described herein below at 160° C. using a weight of 2.16 kg. In afurther aspect, the polyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a melt flowindex from about 22 cm³/10 min to about 28 cm³/10 min when tested inaccordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 as described herein below at 160° C.using a weight of 2.16 kg. In some aspects, the polyamide orpoly(ether-block-amide) has a melt flow index of about 10 cm³/10 min,about 11 cm³/10 min, about 12 cm³/10 min, about 13 cm³/10 min, about 14cm³/10 min, about 15 cm³/10 min, about 16 cm³/10 min, about 17 cm³/10min, of about 18 cm³/10 min, about 19 cm³/10 min, of about 20 cm³/10min, about 21 cm³/10 min, about 22 cm³/10 min, about 23 cm³/10 min,about 24 cm³/10 min, about 25 cm³/10 min, about 26 cm³/10 min, about 27cm³/10 min, of about 28 cm³/10 min, about 29 cm³/10 min, of about 30cm³/10 min, any range of melt flow index values encompassed by any ofthe foregoing values, or any combination of the foregoing melt flowindex values, when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 asdescribed herein below at 160° C. using a weight of 2.16 kg.

In various aspects, a fiber or a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprises a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a cold Ross flex test result of about120,000 to about 180,000 when tested on a thermoformed plaque of thepolyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with the coldRoss flex test as described herein below. In a further aspect, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a cold Ross flex test result ofabout 140,000 to about 160,000 when tested on a thermoformed plaque ofthe polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with the coldRoss flex test as described herein below. In a still further aspect, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a cold Ross flex test result ofabout 130,000 to about 170,000 when tested on a thermoformed plaque ofthe polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with the coldRoss flex test as described herein below. In some aspects, the polyamideor a poly(ether-block-amide) has a cold Ross flex test result of about120,000, about 125,000, about 130,000, about 135,000, about 140,000,about 145,000, about 150,000, about 155,000, about 160,000, about165,000, about 170,000, about 175,000, about 180,000, any range of coldRoss flex test values encompassed by any of the foregoing values, or anycombination of the foregoing cold Ross flex test values, when tested ona thermoformed plaque of the polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) inaccordance with the cold Ross flex test as described herein below.

In various aspects, a fiber or a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprises a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a modulus from about 5 MPa to about 100 MPawhen determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AS T_(m)D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and ThermoplasticRubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension with modificationsdescribed herein below. In a further aspect, the polyamide orpoly(ether-block-amide) has a modulus from about 20 MPa to about 80 MPawhen determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AS T_(m)D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and ThermoplasticRubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension with modificationsdescribed herein below. In some aspects, the polyamide orpoly(ether-block-amide) has a modulus of about 5 MPa, about 10 MPa,about 15 MPa, about 20 MPa, about 25 MPa, about 30 MPa, about 35 MPa,about 40 MPa, about 45 MPa, about 50 MPa, about 55 MPa, about 60 MPa,about 65 MPa, about 70 MPa, about 75 MPa, about 80 MPa, about 85 MPa,about 90 MPa, about 95 MPa, about 100 MPa, any range of modulus valuesencompassed by any of the foregoing values, or any combination of theforegoing modulus values, when tested on a thermoformed plaque of thepolyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with AS T_(m)D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and ThermoplasticRubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension with modificationsdescribed herein below.

In various aspects, a fiber or a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprises a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 115°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about −10° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a melt flow index of about 25 cm³/10 min when tested inaccordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 as described herein below at 160° C.using a weight of 2.16 kg; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000when tested on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Rossflex test as described herein below; and a modulus from about 25 MPa toabout 70 MPa when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance withAS T_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below.

In various aspects, a fiber or a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprises a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 96°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about 20° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m)D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000 when tested on athermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Ross flex test asdescribed herein below; and a modulus of less than or equal to about 10MPa a when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AST_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below.

In various aspects, a fiber or a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprises a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) mixture comprising a first polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 115°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about −10° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a melt flow index of about 25 cm³/10 min when tested inaccordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 as described herein below at 160° C.using a weight of 2.16 kg; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000when tested on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Rossflex test as described herein below; and a modulus from about 25 MPa toabout 70 MPa when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance withAS T_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below; and a second polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 96°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about 20° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000 when tested on athermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Ross flex test asdescribed herein below; and a modulus of less than or equal to about 10MPa a when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AST_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below.

In various aspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition has a denier of about 750 to about 1100.

In various aspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition has a yarn tenacity of greater than or equal toabout 1.5 g/den when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 with themodifications described herein below. In a further aspect, a yarncomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition has a yarntenacity from about 1.5 g/den to about 3.0 g/den when tested inaccordance with EN ISO 2062 with the modifications described hereinbelow. In a still further aspect, a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition has a yarn tenacity from about 1.7g/den to about 1.8 g/den when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 withthe modifications described herein below. In a still further aspect, ayarn comprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition has atenacity from about 3.3 g/den to about 3.6 g/den when tested inaccordance with EN ISO 2062 with the modifications described hereinbelow. In some aspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition has a yarn tenacity of about 1.5 g/den, about 1.6g/den, about 1.7 g/den, about 1.8 g/den, about 1.9 g/den, about 2.0g/den, about 2.1 g/den, about 2.2 g/den, about 2.3 g/den, about 2.4g/den, about 2.5 g/den, about 2.6 g/den, about 2.7 g/den, about 2.8g/den, about 2.9 g/den, about 3.0 g/den, any range of tenacity valuesencompassed by any of the foregoing values, or any combination of theforegoing tenacity values, when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062with the modifications described herein below.

In various aspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition has a yarn elongation of less than or equal toabout 150% when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 with themodifications described herein below. In a further aspect, a yarncomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition has a yarnelongation from about 30% to about 130% when tested in accordance withEN ISO 2062 with the modifications described herein below. In a stillfurther aspect, a yarn comprising a low processing temperature polymericcomposition has a yarn elongation from about 115% to about 120% whentested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 with the modifications describedherein below. In an even further aspect, a yarn comprising a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition has a yarn elongation fromabout 120% to about 140% when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 withthe modifications described herein below. In a yet further aspect, ayarn comprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition has ayarn elongation from about 35% to about 45% when tested in accordancewith EN ISO 2062 with the modifications described herein below. In someaspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperature polymericcomposition has a yarn elongation of about 30%, about 35%, about 40%,about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 100%, about 105%,about 110%, about 115%, about 120%, about 125%, about 130%, any range ofelongation values encompassed by any of the foregoing values, or anycombination of the foregoing tenacity values, when tested on athermoformed plaque of the polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) inaccordance with EN ISO 2062 with the modifications described hereinbelow.

In various aspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition has a yarn shrinkage of less than or equal toabout 15% when tested in accordance with methods described herein belowat 50° C. In a further aspect, a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition has a yarn shrinkage from about 7% toabout 13% when tested in accordance with methods described herein belowat 50° C. In a still further aspect, a yarn comprising a low processingtemperature polymeric composition has a yarn shrinkage from about 9.5%to about 10.5% when tested in accordance with methods described hereinbelow at 50° C. In a still further aspect, a yarn comprising a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition has a yarn elongation fromabout 0% to about 5% when tested in accordance with methods describedherein below at 50° C. In some aspects, a yarn comprising a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition has a yarn shrinkage ofabout 0%, about 0.5%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%,about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about 6.5%,about 7.0%, about 7.5%, about 8.0%, about 8.5%, about 9.0%, about 9.5%,about 10%, any range of shrinkage values encompassed by any of theforegoing values, or any combination of the foregoing shrinkage values,when tested in accordance with methods described herein below at 50° C.

In various aspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition has an enthalpy of melting (a measure ofcrystallinity) from about 15 J/g to about 50 J/g when tested inaccordance with methods described herein. In a further aspect, a yarncomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition has anenthalpy of melting from about 17 J/g to about 23 J/g when tested inaccordance with methods described herein. In a still further aspect, ayarn comprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition hasan enthalpy of melting from about 35 J/g to about 42 J/g when tested inaccordance with methods described herein. In some aspects, a yarncomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition has anenthalpy of melting of about 15 J/g, about 20 J/g, about 25 J/g, about30 J/g, about 35 J/g, about 40 J/g, about 45 J/g, about 50 J/g, anyrange of enthalpy of melting values encompassed by any of the foregoingvalues, or any combination of the foregoing enthalpy of melting values,when tested in accordance with methods described herein.

In various aspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition has a yarn tenacity of about 2.0 to about 2.2g/den when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 with the modificationsdescribed herein below; a yarn elongation of about 116% to about 122%when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 with the modificationsdescribed herein below; a yarn shrinkage of about 8 to about 12% whentested in accordance with methods described herein below at 50° C.; andan enthalpy of melting of about 18 J/g to about 22 J/g when tested inaccordance with methods described herein. The contemplated yarns includethose with any value within the range given, including a value equal toor about the value of the lower or upper limit of the range given.

In various aspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition has a yarn tenacity of about 3.2 to about 3.6g/den when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 with the modificationsdescribed herein below; a yarn elongation of about 37% to about 43% whentested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 with the modifications describedherein below; a yarn shrinkage from about 0% to about 3% when tested inaccordance with methods described herein below at 50° C.; and anenthalpy of melting of about 35 J/g to about 42 J/g when tested inaccordance with methods described herein. The contemplated yarns includethose with any value within the range given, including a value equal toor about the value of the lower or upper limit of the range given.

In various aspects, a yarn comprising a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprises a first yarn having a yarn tenacity ofabout 2.0 to about 2.2 g/den when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062with the modifications described herein below; a yarn elongation ofabout 116% to about 122% when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 withthe modifications described herein below; a yarn shrinkage of about 8 toabout 12% when tested in accordance with methods described herein belowat 50° C.; and an enthalpy of melting of about 18 J/g to about 22 J/gwhen tested in accordance with methods described herein. Thecontemplated yarns include those with any value within the range given,including a value equal to or about the value of the lower or upperlimit of the range given; and a second yarn having a yarn tenacity ofabout 3.2 to about 3.6 g/den when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062with the modifications described herein below; a yarn elongation ofabout 37% to about 43% when tested in accordance with EN ISO 2062 withthe modifications described herein below; a yarn shrinkage from about 0%to about 3% when tested in accordance with methods described hereinbelow at 50° C.; and an enthalpy of melting of about 35 J/g to about 42J/g when tested in accordance with methods described herein. Thecontemplated yarns include those with any value within the range given,including a value equal to or about the value of the lower or upperlimit of the range given.

Shaped Articles and Films

As discussed above, disclosed films and shaped components describedherein can include the selective incorporation of a low processingtemperature polymeric composition and/or the selective incorporation ofa high processing temperature polymeric composition. In aspects, suchlow processing temperature polymeric compositions can be present in theform of a film or a shaped component comprising the low processingtemperature polymeric composition. In some aspects, a film or a shapedcomponent comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition is essentially free of a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition. In other aspects, a film or a shaped componentcomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition consistsessentially of the low processing temperature polymeric composition.These shaped components can be manufactured by any suitable means knownin the art for manufacturing a shaped component, such as polymerextrusion, polymer blow molding, injection molding, and machining. Thesefilms can be manufactured by any suitable means known in the art formanufacturing a film, such as polymer extrusion.

Similarly, the high processing temperature polymeric compositionsdescribed above can be present in the form of a film or a shapedcomponent comprising the high processing temperature polymericcomposition. In some aspects, the film or shaped component comprisingthe high processing temperature polymeric composition is essentiallyfree of a low processing temperature polymeric composition. In otheraspects, the film or shaped component comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition consists essentially of the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. These shaped componentscan be manufactured by any suitable means known in the art formanufacturing a shaped component, such as polymer extrusion, polymerblow molding, injection molding, and machining. These films can bemanufactured by any suitable means known in the art for manufacturing afilm, such as polymer extrusion.

In some aspects, the film or shaped component comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition can further comprise a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition. For example, the film orshaped component can be bi-component materials formed by areco-extruding or co-injecting the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and the high processing temperature polymeric composition.

In certain aspects, the film or shaped component described herein can beused to provide a specific functionality. For example in certainaspects, a film comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can be thermoformed to form a film having water-proof orwater-resistant properties. In such aspects, a film on the outer surfaceof an article could be provided by utilizing a film comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric material.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, a film or shaped component canbe colored, e.g., for aesthetic purposes. In various aspects, a film orshaped component can be colored using conventional coloring techniques.In certain aspects, a film or shaped component that comprises the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition is not colored, and can beformed from a polymeric composition that is essentially free ofpigments, colorants, or dyes, which can result in the region comprisingthe low processing temperature polymeric composition being clear ornearly transparent (e.g., the non-yarn or non-fiber material uponthermoforming).

In one or more aspects, a film or shaped component comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a modulus offrom about 1 MPa to about 500 MPa. In certain aspects, a yarn comprisingthe low processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit amodulus of from about 5 Mpa to about 150 MPa. In one aspect, a yarncomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition canexhibit a modulus of from about 20 Mpa to about 130 MPa. In anotheraspect, a yarn comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit a modulus of from about 30 MPa to about 120 MPa.In yet another aspect, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can exhibit a modulus of from about 40 MPa toabout 110 MPa. The term “modulus” as used herein refers to a respectivetesting method described below in the Property Analysis AndCharacterization Procedures section.

In one or more aspects, when a film or shaped component comprising thelow processing temperature polymeric composition is brought to atemperature above the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and then brought to a temperaturebelow the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m)of pressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 1 MPa to about 500 MPa.In aspects, when a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition is brought to a temperature above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 5 MPa to about 150 MPa.In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition is brought to a temperature above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 20 Mpa to about 130 MPa.In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition is brought to a temperature above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 30 Mpa to about 120 MPa.In one or more aspects, a yarn comprising the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition is brought to a temperature above the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition and then brought to a temperature below the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, when tested at approximately 20° C. and 1 A T_(m) ofpressure, the resulting thermoformed material (e.g., melted yarncomponent) can exhibit a modulus of from about 40 Mpa to about 110 MPa.

As discussed above, in certain aspects, the low processing temperaturepolymeric compositions and the high processing temperature polymericcompositions have differing properties. In various aspects, thesediffering properties allow for the low processing temperature polymericcomposition, during a thermoforming process, to melt and flow, andsubsequently cool and solidify into a different structure than thatprior to the thermoforming process (e.g., thermoform from a film orshaped component to a melted or partially melted the film or shapedcomponent), while the high processing temperature polymeric compositioncannot deform or melt during such a process and can maintain itsstructure (e.g., as a film or shaped component), when the thermoformingprocess is conducted at a temperature below the creep relaxationtemperature, the heat deflection temperature, or the Vicat softeningtemperature of the high processing temperature polymeric composition. Insuch aspects, the melted yarn component formed from the low processingtemperature polymeric composition during the thermoforming process canbe integrally connected to the non-altered structure (e.g., a textile orarticle, or another film or shaped component), which can providethree-dimensional structure and/or other properties targeted to specificspots on an article of wear.

In various aspects, a film or shaped component can be a coated film orshaped component. In a further aspect, the coated film or shapedcomponent can be any suitable film or shaped component that has formedthereupon a coating layer comprising a thermoplastic coating compositionor other suitable coating.

In certain aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition comprises alow processing temperature polymeric composition and optionally one ormore additives. In a further aspect, the thermoplastic coatingcomposition comprises a low processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally one or moreadditives. In a still further aspect, the thermoplastic coatingcomposition comprises a low processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising a thermoplastic poly(ether-block-amide) and optionally one ormore additives.

In certain aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition comprises ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition and optionally one ormore additives. In a further aspect, the thermoplastic coatingcomposition comprises a high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and optionally oneor more additives. In a still further aspect, the thermoplastic coatingcomposition comprises a high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising a thermoplastic poly(ether-block-amide) andoptionally one or more additives.

In certain aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition comprises aTPU. In some aspects, the TPU can be any such material as described inthe present disclosure, e.g., a TPU prepared by polymerizing aromaticisocyanate or aliphatic isocyanate with polyether polyol orpolycarprolactone using short chain glycol (e.g., 1,4-butanediol) as achain extender, or mixtures of different types of disclosed TPUs.Alternatively, in other aspects, the TPU can be a commercially availableTPU.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition can furthercomprise an additive, such as, but not limited to, be one or more of athickener, processing aid, a dye or colorant. In a further aspect, theadditive is not optional and comprises at least one thickener. In astill further aspect, the additive is not optional and comprises atleast one processing aid. In yet a further aspect, the additive is notoptional and comprises at least one thickener and at least oneprocessing aid. In certain aspects, the thickener can comprise aninorganic material such as silica, talc, or calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).

In certain aspects, as described herein, a thickener can be used duringthe preparation of the thermoplastic coating composition in order toimprove productivity and matting properties. In a further aspect, thethickener is silica powder, talc, or CaCO₃. The thickener acts, at leastin part, to increase the viscosity of the thermoplastic coatingcomposition. In a still further aspect, the thickener that is used inthe disclosed thermoplastic coating compositions can be an alloy with aresin such as a styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) block copolymer, astyrene ethylene/butylene styrene (SEBS) resin, a polyacetal resin (POM)or a styrene acrylonitrile resin (SAN), which can impart compatibilitywith thermoplastic polyurethane.

In certain aspects, the thermoplastic coating composition can comprise aprocessing agent in order to improve productivity. In a further aspect,the processing agent can be montane wax or a fatty acid ester (C5-C9)with pentaerythritol. Other processing agents are known to the skilledartisan and can also be used in the disclosed thermoplasticcompositions. An exemplary commercially available processing aid isESTANE 58277 (Lubrizol).

In certain aspects, the coated film or shaped component having a desiredcolor can be produced by adding a master batch corresponding to thedesired color during production of the TPU compound for coating a filmor shaped component. In a further aspect, a TPU compound for coating afilm or shaped component, which has a desired hardness, can be preparedby controlling the content of raw material.

In certain aspects, the coated film or shaped component can be preparedby compounding in a conventional extruder a thermoplastic coatingcomposition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, e.g., thermoplasticpolyurethane, and optionally also including one or more additive, andthen coating the compounded thermoplastic polyurethane coatingcomposition on the surface of a film or shaped component. In a furtheraspect, the process for preparing the coated film or shaped componentcomprises the steps of: 1) preparing formed thermoplastic pellets; and2) producing coated film or shaped component. The formed thermoplasticpellets can be prepared by the method disclosed herein, prepared bysimilar methods as known to the skilled artisan, or obtained from acommercially available source.

The step of preparing formed thermoplastic pellets can comprise thefollowing steps: 1) mixing a thermoplastic polymer with variousadditives, e.g., a thickener and/or a processing aid, and feeding themixture into the hopper of a conventional compounding extruder; 2)melting, kneading and compounding the mixture in the cylinder of thecompounding extruder at a suitable temperature and pressure; 3) cuttingthe compounded thermoplastic coating composition, discharged through thedice of the compounding extruder, in cooling water to form pellets; and4) drying the formed thermoplastic polyurethane pellets at a suitabletemperature for about period of time and aging the dried pellets at asuitable temperature for a suitable period of time.

In a particular example, the step of preparing formed thermoplasticpellets comprises at least the steps of: 1) mixing thermoplasticpolyurethane with various additives, e.g., a thickener and/or aprocessing aid, and feeding the mixture into the hopper of aconventional compounding extruder; 2) melting, kneading and compoundingthe mixture in the cylinder of the compounding extruder at a temperatureof about 150-250° C. and a pressure of about 50-150 kgf; 3) cutting thecompounded thermoplastic polyurethane, discharged through the dice ofthe compounding extruder, in cooling water to form pellets; and 4)drying the formed thermoplastic polyurethane pellets at a temperature of60-80° C. for about 4-6 hours and aging the dried pellets at atemperature of 30-50° C. for about 7 days or more.

In various aspects, a shaped component or film comprises a polyamide ora poly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) from about90° C. to about 120° C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m)D3418-97 as described herein below. In a further aspect, the polyamideor poly(ether-block-amide) has a melting temperature (T_(m)) from about93° C. to about 99° C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m)D3418-97 as described herein below. In a still further aspect, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m))from about 112° C. to about 118° C. when determined in accordance withAS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In some aspects, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a melting temperature of about90° C., about 91° C., about 92° C., about 93° C., about 94° C., about95° C., about 96° C., about 97° C., about 98° C., about 99° C., about100° C., about 101° C., about 102° C., about 103° C., about 104° C.,about 105° C., about 106° C., about 107° C., about 108° C., about 109°C., about 110° C., about 111° C., about 112° C., about 113° C., about114° C., about 115° C., about 116° C., about 117° C., about 118° C.,about 119° C., about 120° C., any range of melting temperature (T_(m))values encompassed by any of the foregoing values, or any combination ofthe foregoing melting temperature (T_(m)) values, when determined inaccordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below.

In various aspects, a shaped component or film comprises a polyamide ora poly(ether-block-amide) with a glass transition temperature (T_(m))from about −20° C. to about 30° C. when determined in accordance with AST_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In a further aspect, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) with a glass transition temperature(T_(m)) from about −13° C. to about −7° C. when determined in accordancewith AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In a still furtheraspect, the polyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a glass transitiontemperature (T_(m)) from about 17° C. to about 23° C. when determined inaccordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In someaspects, the polyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) with a glasstransition temperature (T_(m)) of about −20° C., about −19° C., about−18° C., about −17° C., about −16° C., about −15° C., about −14° C.,about −13° C., about −12° C., about −10° C., about −9° C., about −8° C.,about −7° C., about −6° C., about −5° C., about −4° C., about −3° C.,about −2° C., about −1° C., about 0° C., about 1° C., about 2° C., about3° C., about 4° C., about 5° C., about 6° C., about 7° C., about 8° C.,about 9° C., about 10° C., about 11° C., about 12° C., about 13° C.,about 14° C., about 15° C., about 16° C., about 17° C., about 18° C.,about 19° C., about 20° C., any range of glass transition temperaturevalues encompassed by any of the foregoing values, or any combination ofthe foregoing glass transition temperature values, when determined inaccordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below.

In various aspects, a shaped component or film comprises a polyamide ora poly(ether-block-amide) with a melt flow index from about 10 cm³/10min to about 30 cm³/10 min when tested in accordance with AS T_(m)D1238-13 as described herein below at 160° C. using a weight of 2.16 kg.In a further aspect, the polyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a meltflow index from about 22 cm³/10 min to about 28 cm³/10 min when testedin accordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 as described herein below at 160°C. using a weight of 2.16 kg. In some aspects, the polyamide orpoly(ether-block-amide) has a melt flow index of about 10 cm³/10 min,about 11 cm³/10 min, about 12 cm³/10 min, about 13 cm³/10 min, about 14cm³/10 min, about 15 cm³/10 min, about 16 cm³/10 min, about 17 cm³/10min, of about 18 cm³/10 min, about 19 cm³/10 min, of about 20 cm³/10min, about 21 cm³/10 min, about 22 cm³/10 min, about 23 cm³/10 min,about 24 cm³/10 min, about 25 cm³/10 min, about 26 cm³/10 min, about 27cm³/10 min, of about 28 cm³/10 min, about 29 cm³/10 min, of about 30cm³/10 min, any range of melt flow index values encompassed by any ofthe foregoing values, or any combination of the foregoing melt flowindex values, when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 asdescribed herein below at 160° C. using a weight of 2.16 kg.

In various aspects, a shaped component or film comprises a polyamide ora poly(ether-block-amide) with a cold Ross flex test result of about120,000 to about 180,000 when tested on a thermoformed plaque of thepolyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with the coldRoss flex test as described herein below. In a further aspect, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a cold Ross flex test result ofabout 140,000 to about 160,000 when tested on a thermoformed plaque ofthe polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with the coldRoss flex test as described herein below. In a still further aspect, thepolyamide or poly(ether-block-amide) has a cold Ross flex test result ofabout 130,000 to about 170,000 when tested on a thermoformed plaque ofthe polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with the coldRoss flex test as described herein below. In some aspects, the polyamideor a poly(ether-block-amide) has a cold Ross flex test result of about120,000, about 125,000, about 130,000, about 135,000, about 140,000,about 145,000, about 150,000, about 155,000, about 160,000, about165,000, about 170,000, about 175,000, about 180,000, any range of coldRoss flex test values encompassed by any of the foregoing values, or anycombination of the foregoing cold Ross flex test values, when tested ona thermoformed plaque of the polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) inaccordance with the cold Ross flex test as described herein below.

In various aspects, a shaped component or film comprises a polyamide ora poly(ether-block-amide) with a modulus from about 5 MPa to about 100MPa when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AS T_(m)D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and ThermoplasticRubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension with modificationsdescribed herein below. In a further aspect, the polyamide orpoly(ether-block-amide) has a modulus from about 20 MPa to about 80 MPawhen determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AS T_(m)D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and ThermoplasticRubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension with modificationsdescribed herein below. In some aspects, the polyamide orpoly(ether-block-amide) has a modulus of about 5 MPa, about 10 MPa,about 15 MPa, about 20 MPa, about 25 MPa, about 30 MPa, about 35 MPa,about 40 MPa, about 45 MPa, about 50 MPa, about 55 MPa, about 60 MPa,about 65 MPa, about 70 MPa, about 75 MPa, about 80 MPa, about 85 MPa,about 90 MPa, about 95 MPa, about 100 MPa, any range of modulus valuesencompassed by any of the foregoing values, or any combination of theforegoing modulus values, when tested on a thermoformed plaque of thepolyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with AS T_(m)D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and ThermoplasticRubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension with modificationsdescribed herein below.

In various aspects, a shaped component or film comprises a polyamide ora poly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about115° C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 asdescribed herein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about−10° C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 asdescribed herein below; a melt flow index of about 25 cm³/10 min whentested in accordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 as described herein below at160° C. using a weight of 2.16 kg; a cold Ross flex test result of about150,000 when tested on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with the coldRoss flex test as described herein below; and a modulus from about 25MPa to about 70 MPa when determined on a thermoformed plaque inaccordance with AS T_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for VulcanizedRubber and Thermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tensionwith modifications described herein below.

In various aspects, a shaped component or film comprises a polyamide ora poly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about96° C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about 20° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000 when tested on athermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Ross flex test asdescribed herein below; and a modulus of less than or equal to about 10MPa a when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AST_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below.

In various aspects, a shaped component or film comprises a polyamide ora poly(ether-block-amide) mixture comprising a first polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 115°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about −10° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a melt flow index of about 25 cm³/10 min when tested inaccordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 as described herein below at 160° C.using a weight of 2.16 kg; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000when tested on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Rossflex test as described herein below; and a modulus from about 25 MPa toabout 70 MPa when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance withAS T_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below; and a second polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 96°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about 20° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000 when tested on athermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Ross flex test asdescribed herein below; and a modulus of less than or equal to about 10MPa a when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AST_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below.

Low Processing Temperature Polymeric Compositions

As discussed above, in certain aspects, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprises one or more first thermoplasticpolymers, and can exhibit a melting temperature T_(m) (or melting point)that is below at least one of the heat deflection temperature T_(hd),the Vicat softening temperature T_(vs), the creep relaxation temperatureT_(cr), or the melting temperature T_(m) of a high processingtemperature polymeric composition. In the same or alternative aspects,the low processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit one ormore of a melting temperature T_(m), a heat deflection temperatureT_(hd), a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs), and a creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr) that is below one or more of the heat deflectiontemperature T_(hd), the Vicat softening temperature T_(vs), the creeprelaxation temperature T_(cr), or the melting temperature T_(m) of thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition. The “creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr)”, the “Vicat softening temperature T_(vs)”, the “heatdeflection temperature T_(hd)”, and the “melting temperature T_(m)” asused herein refer to the respective testing methods described below inthe Property Analysis And Characterization Procedures section.

In certain aspects, the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncan exhibit a melting temperature T_(m) (or melting point) that is about135° C. or less. In one aspect, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit a melting temperature T_(m) that is about 125°C. or less. In another aspect, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit a melting temperature T_(m) that is about 120°C. or less. In certain aspects, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit a melting temperature T_(m) that is from about80° C. to about 135° C. In various aspects, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition can exhibit a melting temperatureT_(m) that is from about 90° C. to about 120° C. In one aspect, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a meltingtemperature T_(m) that is from about 100° C. to about 120° C.

In one or more aspects, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit a glass transition temperature T_(g) of about50° C. or less. In one aspect, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit a glass transition temperature T_(g) of about25° C. or less. In another aspect, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can exhibit a glass transition temperature T_(g)of about 0° C. or less. In various aspects, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition can exhibit a glass transitiontemperature T_(g) of from about −55° C. to about 55° C. In one aspect,the low processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a glasstransition temperature T_(g) of from about −50° C. to about 0° C. Incertain aspects, the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncan exhibit a glass transition temperature T_(g) of from about −30° C.to about −5° C. The term “glass transition temperature T_(g)” as usedherein refers to a respective testing method described below in theProperty Analysis And Characterization Procedures section.

In various aspects, the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncan exhibit a melt flow index, using a test weight of 2.16 kilograms, offrom about 0.1 grams/10 minutes (min.) to about 60 grams/10 min. Incertain aspects, the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncan exhibit a melt flow index, using a test weight of 2.16 kilograms, offrom about 2 grams/10 min. to about 50 grams/10 min. In another aspect,the low processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a meltflow index, using a test weight of 2.16 kilograms, of from about 5grams/10 min to about 40 grams/10 min. In certain aspects, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit a melt flowindex, using a test weight of 2.16 kilograms, of about 25 grams/10 min.The term “melt flow index” as used herein refers to a respective testingmethod described below in the Property Analysis And CharacterizationProcedures section.

In one or more aspects, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can exhibit an enthalpy of melting of from about 8 J/g toabout 45 J/g. In certain aspects, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can exhibit an enthalpy of melting of from about10 J/g to about 30 J/g. In one aspect, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition can exhibit an enthalpy of melting of from about15 J/g to about 25 J/g. The term “enthalpy of melting” as used hereinrefers to a respective testing method described below in the PropertyAnalysis And Characterization Procedures section.

As previously stated, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers. In variousaspects, the thermoplastic polymers can include one or more polymersselected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyethers,polyamides, polyurethanes and polyolefins. In aspects, the thermoplasticpolymers can include one or more polymers selected from the groupconsisting of polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanes, andcombinations thereof.

In one or more aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can include one ormore polyesters. In such aspects, the polyesters can includepolyethylene terephthalate (PET). In certain aspects, the thermoplasticpolymers can include one or more polyamides. In such aspects, thepolyamides can include poly(hexamethylene adipamide) (nylon 6,6),polycaprolactam (nylon 6), polylaurolactam (nylon 12), and combinationsthereof. In aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can include one or morepolyurethanes.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can include one or moreco-polymers. In certain aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can includeone or more co-polymers selected from the group consisting ofco-polyesters, co-polyethers, co-polyamides, co-polyurethanes, andcombinations thereof. In one or more aspects, the thermoplastic polymerscan include one or more co-polyesters. In certain aspects, thethermoplastic polymers can include one or more co-polyethers. Inaspects, the thermoplastic polymers can include one or moreco-polyamides. In certain aspects, the thermoplastic polymers caninclude one or more co-polyurethanes. In one aspect, the thermoplasticpolymers can include one or more polyether block amide (PEBA)co-polymers. Exemplary thermoplastic polymers are described in detailbelow.

High Processing Temperature Polymeric Compositions

In various aspects, the low processing temperature polymericcompositions and the high processing temperature polymeric compositionshave differing properties. In particular, when thermoforming a textilethat includes the low processing temperature polymeric composition andthe high processing temperature polymeric composition, in accordancewith the present disclosure, the thermoforming is conducted underconditions such that the high processing temperature polymericcomposition does not melt or deform while the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition does melt. In an aspect, a heat characteristic orthermal transition property of a low processing temperature polymericcomposition can be lower than a heat characteristic or thermaltransition property of a high processing temperature polymericcomposition. In a further aspect, the melting temperature (T_(m)) of alow processing temperature polymeric composition can be lower than atleast one of the following properties of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition: (1) creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)); (2) aVicat softening temperature (T_(vs)); (3) a heat deflection temperature(T_(hd)); or (4) a melting temperature (T_(m)). That is, for example,the low processing temperature polymeric composition can exhibit atleast one of a creep relaxation temperature (T_(cr)), a Vicat softeningtemperature (T_(vs)), a heat deflection temperature (T_(hd)), or amelting temperature (T_(m)) that is below the melting temperature(T_(m)) of a high processing temperature polymeric composition.

In one or more aspects, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a melting temperature T_(m) that is at least about10° C. greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of a low processingtemperature polymeric composition. In another aspect, the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition exhibits a meltingtemperature T_(m) that is at least about 20° C. greater than the meltingtemperature T_(m) of a low processing temperature polymeric composition.In certain aspects, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a melting temperature T_(m) that is at least about40° C. greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of a low processingtemperature polymeric composition.

In various aspects, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a melting temperature T_(m) from about 140° C. toabout 500° C. In one or more aspects, the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits a melting temperature T_(m) from about140° C. to about 400° C. In certain aspects, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits a melting temperature T_(m)from about 140° C. to about 300° C.

In certain aspects, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr) that is atleast about 10° C. greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition. In one or more aspects,the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits a creeprelaxation temperature T_(cr) that is at least about 30° C. greater thana melting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition. In one aspect, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr) that is atleast about 50° C. greater than a melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition.

In certain aspects, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is atleast about 10° C. greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition. In one or more aspects,the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits a Vicatsoftening temperature T_(vs) that is at least about 30° C. greater thanthe melting temperature T_(m) of a low processing temperature polymericcomposition. In one aspect, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is atleast about 50° C. greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition.

In certain aspects, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a heat deflection temperature T_(hd) that is atleast about 10° C. greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition. In various aspects, thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits a heatdeflection temperature T_(hd) that is at least about 30° C. greater thanthe melting temperature T_(m) of a low processing temperature polymericcomposition. In one aspect, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits a heat deflection temperature T_(hd) that is atleast about 50° C. greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition.

As stated above, the high processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprises one or more second thermoplastic polymers. The one or moresecond thermoplastic polymers of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition can be a thermoplastic polymer as described aboveas an Exemplary Thermoplastic Polymer, with the understanding that theone or more second thermoplastic polymers differ from the one or morefirst thermoplastic polymers of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition based on melting temperature T_(m). The high processingtemperature polymeric composition includes one or more secondthermoplastic polymer having a sufficiently high melting temperatureT_(m) which are present in the composition in a sufficiently highconcentration such that the creep relaxation temperature T_(cr), theheat deflection temperature T_(hd), or the Vicat softening temperatureT_(vs) of the high processing temperature polymeric composition isgreater than a melting temperature T_(m) of the low melting temperaturepolymeric composition, In one aspect, the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers can include one or more polymers selected fromthe group consisting of polyesters, polyethers, polyamides,polyurethanes and polyolefins. In certain aspects, the thermoplasticpolymers can include one or more thermoplastic polymers selected fromthe group consisting of thermoplastic polyesters, polyethers,polyamides, and combinations thereof. In aspects, the thermoplasticpolymers can include one or more thermoplastic polymers selected fromthe group consisting of thermoplastic polyesters, polyamides, andcombinations thereof.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can include one or morethermoplastic polyesters. In such aspects, the thermoplastic polyesterscan include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In certain aspects, thethermoplastic polymers can include one or more thermoplastic polyamides.In such aspects, the thermoplastic polyamides can includepoly(hexamethylene adipamide) (nylon 6,6), polycaprolactam (nylon 6),polylaurolactam (nylon 12), and combinations thereof. In one aspect, thethermoplastic polymers can include one or more thermoplasticpolyurethanes.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can include one or moreco-polymers. In aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can include one ormore co-polymers selected from the group consisting of co-polyesters,co-polyethers, co-polyamides, co-polyurethanes, and combinationsthereof. In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymers can include one ormore co-polyesters. In certain aspects, the thermoplastic polymers caninclude one or more co-polyethers. In aspects, the thermoplasticpolymers can include one or more co-polyamides. In various aspects, thethermoplastic polymers can include one or more co-polyurethanes. In oneaspect, the thermoplastic polymers can include one or more polyetherblock amide (PEBA) co-polymers. In aspects, the copolymers can includerelatively harder polymeric segments copolymerized with relativelysofter polymeric segments. Exemplary thermoplastic polymers aredescribed in detail below Exemplary Thermoplastic Polymers

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymers disclosed herein can beincluded in a disclosed low processing temperature polymericcomposition, disclosed high processing temperature polymericcomposition, a disclosed film, and/or a disclosed shaped material. Inaspects, the disclosed fibers can comprise a thermoplastic polymer asdisclosed herein. In a further aspect, the disclosed yarns can comprisea thermoplastic polymer as disclosed herein.

In aspects, exemplary thermoplastic polymers include homo-polymers andco-polymers. In certain aspects, the thermoplastic polymer can be arandom co-polymer. In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer can be ablock co-polymer. The term “polymer” refers to a polymerized moleculehaving one or more monomer species, and includes homopolymers andcopolymers. The term “copolymer” refers to a polymer having two or moremonomer species, and includes terpolymers (i.e., copolymers having threemonomer species). For example, the thermoplastic polymer can be a blockco-polymer having repeating blocks of polymeric units of the samechemical structure (segments) which are relatively harder (hardsegments), and repeating blocks of polymeric segments which arerelatively softer (soft segments). In various aspects, in blockco-polymers, including block co-polymers having repeating hard segmentsand soft segments, physical crosslinks can be present within the blocksor between the blocks or both within and between the blocks. Particularexamples of hard segments include isocyanate segments and polyamidesegments. Particular examples of soft segments include polyethersegments and polyester segments. As used herein, the polymeric segmentcan be referred to as being a particular type of polymeric segment suchas, for example, an isocyanate segment, a polyamide segment, a polyethersegment, a polyester segment, and the like. It is understood that thechemical structure of the segment is derived from the described chemicalstructure. For example, an isocyanate segment is a polymerized unitincluding an isocyanate functional group. When referring to a block ofpolymeric segments of a particular chemical structure, the block cancontain up to 10 mol % of segments of other chemical structures. Forexample, as used herein, a polyether segment is understood to include upto 10 mol % of non-polyether segments.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer can include one or more ofa thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyamide, a thermoplasticpolyester, and a thermoplastic polyolefin. It should be understood thatother thermoplastic polymeric materials not specifically described beloware also contemplated for use in the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition and/or the high processing temperature polymericcomposition.

Thermoplastic Polyurethanes

In certain aspects, the thermoplastic polymer can be a thermoplasticpolyurethane. In aspects, the thermoplastic polyurethane can be athermoplastic block polyurethane co-polymer. In such aspects, thethermoplastic block polyurethane co-polymer can be a block copolymerhaving blocks of hard segments and blocks of soft segments. In aspects,the hard segments can comprise or consist of isocyanate segments. In thesame or alternative aspects, the soft segments can comprise or consistof polyether segments, or polyester segments, or a combination ofpolyether segments and polyester segments. In a particular aspect, thethermoplastic material can comprise or consist essentially of anelastomeric thermoplastic polyurethane having repeating blocks of hardsegments and repeating blocks of soft segments.

In aspects, one or more of the thermoplastic polyurethanes can beproduced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or morepolyols to produce copolymer chains having carbamate linkages (—N(CO)O—)as illustrated below in Formula 1, where the isocyanate(s) eachpreferably include two or more isocyanate (—NCO) groups per molecule,such as 2, 3, or 4 isocyanate groups per molecule (although,single-functional isocyanates can also be optionally included, e.g., aschain terminating units).

In these embodiments, each R₁ and R₂ independently is an aliphatic oraromatic segment. Optionally, each R₂ can be a hydrophilic segment.

Unless otherwise indicated, any of the functional groups or chemicalcompounds described herein can be substituted or unsubstituted. A“substituted” group or chemical compound, such as an alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, ester,ether, or carboxylic ester refers to an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, ester, ether, orcarboxylic ester group, has at least one hydrogen radical that issubstituted with a non-hydrogen radical (i.e., a substituent). Examplesof non-hydrogen radicals (or substituents) include, but are not limitedto, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, ether, aryl,heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, hydroxyl, oxy (or oxo), alkoxyl, ester,thioester, acyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, amido, sulfur, and halo.When a substituted alkyl group includes more than one non-hydrogenradical, the substituents can be bound to the same carbon or two or moredifferent carbon atoms.

Additionally, the isocyanates can also be chain extended with one ormore chain extenders to bridge two or more isocyanates. This can producepolyurethane copolymer chains as illustrated below in Formula 2, whereinR₃ includes the chain extender. As with each R₁ and R₃, each R₃independently is an aliphatic or aromatic segment.

Each segment R₁, or the first segment, in Formulas 1 and 2 canindependently include a linear or branched C₃₋₃₀ segment, based on theparticular isocyanate(s) used, and can be aliphatic, aromatic, orinclude a combination of aliphatic portions(s) and aromatic portion(s).The term “aliphatic” refers to a saturated or unsaturated organicmolecule that does not include a cyclically conjugated ring systemhaving delocalized pi electrons. In comparison, the term “aromatic”refers to a cyclically conjugated ring system having delocalized pielectrons, which exhibits greater stability than a hypothetical ringsystem having localized pi electrons.

Each segment R₁ can be present in an amount of 5% to 85% by weight, from5% to 70% by weight, or from 10% to 50% by weight, based on the totalweight of the reactant monomers.

In aliphatic embodiments (from aliphatic isocyanate(s)), each segment R₁can include a linear aliphatic group, a branched aliphatic group, acycloaliphatic group, or combinations thereof. For instance, eachsegment R₁ can include a linear or branched C₃₋₂₀ alkylene segment(e.g., C₄₋₁₅ alkylene or C₆₋₁₀ alkylene), one or more C₃₋₈ cycloalkylenesegments (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,cycloheptyl, or cyclooctyl), and combinations thereof.

Examples of suitable aliphatic diisocyanates for producing thepolyurethane copolymer chains include hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI),isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), butylenediisocyanate (BDI),bisisocyanatocyclohexylmethane (HMDI), 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylenediisocyanate (T_(m)DI), bisisocyanatomethylcyclohexane,bisisocyanatomethyltricyclodecane, norbornane diisocyanate (NDI),cyclohexane diisocyanate (CHDI), 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate(H12MDI), diisocyanatododecane, lysine diisocyanate, and combinationsthereof.

In aromatic embodiments (from aromatic isocyanate(s)), each segment R₁can include one or more aromatic groups, such as phenyl, naphthyl,tetrahydronaphthyl, phenanthrenyl, biphenylenyl, indanyl, indenyl,anthracenyl, and fluorenyl. Unless otherwise indicated, an aromaticgroup can be an unsubstituted aromatic group or a substituted aromaticgroup, and can also include heteroaromatic groups. “Heteroaromatic”refers to monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., fused bicyclic and fusedtricyclic) aromatic ring systems, where one to four ring atoms areselected from oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, and the remaining ring atomsare carbon, and where the ring system is joined to the remainder of themolecule by any of the ring atoms. Examples of suitable heteroarylgroups include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl,imidazolyl, thiazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isooxazolyl, thiadiazolyl,oxadiazolyl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzoxazolyl,benzimidazolyl, and benzothiazolyl.

Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates for producing thepolyurethane copolymer chains include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDIadducts with trimethyloylpropane (T_(m)P), methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylenediisocyanate (TmXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI),naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalenediisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI),3,3′-dimethyldiphenyl-4, 4′-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4′-dibenzyldiisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains aresubstantially free of aromatic groups.

In particular aspects, the polyurethane copolymer chains are producedfrom diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H₁₂ aliphatics, andcombinations thereof. For example, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition of the present disclosure can comprise one or morepolyurethane copolymer chains are produced from diisocynates includingHMDI, TDI, MDI, H₁₂ aliphatics, and combinations thereof.

In certain aspects, polyurethane chains which are crosslinked (e.g.,partially crosslinked polyurethane copolymers which retain thermoplasticproperties) or which can be crosslinked, can be used in accordance withthe present disclosure. It is possible to produce crosslinked orcrosslinkable polyurethane copolymer chains using multi-functionalisocyantes. Examples of suitable triisocyanates for producing thepolyurethane copolymer chains include TDI, HDI, and IPDI adducts withtrimethyloylpropane (T_(m)P), uretdiones (i.e., dimerized isocyanates),polymeric MDI, and combinations thereof.

Segment R₃ in Formula 2 can include a linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ segment,based on the particular chain extender polyol used, and can be, forexample, aliphatic, aromatic, or polyether. Examples of suitable chainextender polyols for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains includeethylene glycol, lower oligomers of ethylene glycol (e.g., diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol), 1,2-propyleneglycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, lower oligomers of propylene glycol (e.g.,dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and tetrapropylene glycol),1,4-butylene glycol, 2,3-butylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol,1,8-octanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol,2-ethyl-1,6-hexanediol, 1-methyl-1,3-propanediol,2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, dihydroxyalkylated aromatic compounds (e.g.,bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ethers of hydroquinone and resorcinol,xylene-a,a-diols, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ethers of xylene-a,a-diols, andcombinations thereof.

Segment R₂ in Formula 1 and 2 can include a polyether group, a polyestergroup, a polycarbonate group, an aliphatic group, or an aromatic group.Each segment R₂ can be present in an amount of 5% to 85% by weight, from5% to 70% by weight, or from 10% to 50% by weight, based on the totalweight of the reactant monomers.

Optionally, in some examples, the thermoplastic polyurethane of thepresent disclosure can be a thermoplastic polyurethane having relativelyhigh degree of hydrophilicity. For example, the thermoplasticpolyurethane can be a thermoplastic polyurethane in which segment R₂ inFormulas 1 and 2 includes a polyether group, a polyester group, apolycarbonate group, an aliphatic group, or an aromatic group, whereinthe aliphatic group or aromatic group is substituted with one or morependant group having relatively greater degree of hydrophilicity (i.e.,relatively “hydrophilic” groups). The relatively “hydrophilic” groupscan be selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, polyether,polyester, polylactone (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)), amino,carboxylate, sulfonate, phosphate, ammonium (e.g., tertiary andquaternary ammonium), zwitterion (e.g., a betaine, such aspoly(carboxybetaine (pCB) and ammonium phosphonates such asphosphatidylcholine), and combinations thereof. In such examples, thisrelatively hydrophilic group or segment of R₂ can form portions of thepolyurethane backbone, or can be grafted to the polyurethane backbone asa pendant group. In some examples, the pendant hydrophilic group orsegment can be bonded to the aliphatic group or aromatic group through alinker. Each segment R₂ can be present in an amount of 5% to 85% byweight, from 5% to 70% by weight, or from 10% to 50% by weight, based onthe total weight of the reactant monomers.

In some examples, at least one R₂ segment of the thermoplasticpolyurethane includes a polyether segment (i.e., a segment having one ormore ether groups). Suitable polyethers include, but are not limited topolyethylene oxide (PEO), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polytetrahydrofuran(PTHF), polytetramethylene oxide (P T_(m)O), and combinations thereof.The term “alkyl” as used herein refers to straight chained and branchedsaturated hydrocarbon groups containing one to thirty carbon atoms, forexample, one to twenty carbon atoms, or one to ten carbon atoms. Theterm C_(n) means the alkyl group has “n” carbon atoms. For example, C₄alkyl refers to an alkyl group that has 4 carbon atoms. C₁₋₇ alkylrefers to an alkyl group having a number of carbon atoms encompassingthe entire range (i.e., 1 to 7 carbon atoms), as well as all subgroups(e.g., 1-6, 2-7, 1-5, 3-6, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 carbon atoms).Non-limiting examples of alkyl groups include, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl (2-methylpropyl), t-butyl(1,1-dimethylethyl), 3,3-dimethylpentyl, and 2-ethylhexyl. Unlessotherwise indicated, an alkyl group can be an unsubstituted alkyl groupor a substituted alkyl group.

In some examples of the thermoplastic polyurethane, the at least one R₂segment includes a polyester segment. The polyester segment can bederived from the polyesterification of one or more dihydric alcohols(e.g., ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol,1,4-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 2-methylpentanediol-1,5,diethyleneglycol,1,5-pentanediol, 1,5-hexanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol,cyclohexanedimethanol, and combinations thereof) with one or moredicarboxylic acids (e.g., adipic acid, succinic acid, sebacic acid,suberic acid, methyladipic acid, glutaric acid, pimelic acid, azelaicacid, thiodipropionic acid and citraconic acid and combinationsthereof). The polyester also can be derived from polycarbonateprepolymers, such as poly(hexamethylene carbonate) glycol,poly(propylene carbonate) glycol, poly(tetramethylene carbonate)glycol,and poly(nonanemethylene carbonate) glycol. Suitable polyesters caninclude, for example, polyethylene adipate (PEA), poly(1,4-butyleneadipate), poly(tetramethylene adipate), poly(hexamethylene adipate),polycaprolactone, polyhexamethylene carbonate, poly(propylenecarbonate), poly(tetramethylene carbonate), poly(nonanemethylenecarbonate), and combinations thereof.

In various of the thermoplastic polyurethane, at least one R₂ segmentincludes a polycarbonate segment. The polycarbonate segment can bederived from the reaction of one or more dihydric alcohols (e.g.,ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol,1,4-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 2-methylpentanediol-1,5, diethyleneglycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,5-hexanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol,cyclohexanedimethanol, and combinations thereof) with ethylenecarbonate.

In various examples of the thermoplastic polyurethane, at least one R₂segment can include an aliphatic group substituted with one or moregroups having a relatively greater degree of hydrophilicity, i.e., arelatively “hydrophilic” group. The one or more relatively hydrophilicgroup can be selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, polyether,polyester, polylactone (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone), amino, carboxylate,sulfonate, phosphate, ammonium (e.g., tertiary and quaternary ammonium),zwitterion (e.g., a betaine, such as poly(carboxybetaine (pCB) andammonium phosphonates such as phosphatidylcholine), and combinationsthereof. In some examples, the aliphatic group is linear and caninclude, for example, a C₁₋₂₀ alkylene chain or a C₁₋₂₀ alkenylene chain(e.g., methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene,heptylene, octylene, nonylene, decylene, undecylene, dodecylene,tridecylene, ethenylene, propenylene, butenylene, pentenylene,hexenylene, heptenylene, octenylene, nonenylene, decenylene,undecenylene, dodecenylene, tridecenylene). The term “alkylene” refersto a bivalent hydrocarbon. The term C_(n) means the alkylene group has“n” carbon atoms. For example, C₁₋₆ alkylene refers to an alkylene grouphaving, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms. The term “alkenylene”refers to a bivalent hydrocarbon having at least one double bond.

In some cases, at least one R₂ segment includes an aromatic groupsubstituted with one or more relativelyhydrophilic group. The one ormore hydrophilicgroup can be selected from the group consisting ofhydroxyl, polyether, polyester, polylactone (e.g.,polyvinylpyrrolidone), amino, carboxylate, sulfonate, phosphate,ammonium (e.g., tertiary and quaternary ammonium), zwitterionic (e.g., abetaine, such as poly(carboxybetaine (pCB) and ammonium phosphonategroups such as phosphatidylcholine), and combinations thereof. Suitablearomatic groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl,tetrahydronaphthyl, phenanthrenyl, biphenylenyl, indanyl, indenyl,anthracenyl, fluorenylpyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl,pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isooxazolyl,thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl,benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, and benzothiazolyl groups, andcombinations thereof.

In various aspects, the aliphatic and aromatic groups can be substitutedwith one or more pendant relatively hydrophilic and/or charged groups.In some aspects, the pendant hydrophilic group includes one or more(e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more) hydroxyl groups. In variousaspects, the pendant hydrophilic group includes one or more (e.g., 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more) amino groups. In some cases, the pendanthydrophilic group includes one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10or more) carboxylate groups. For example, the aliphatic group caninclude one or more polyacrylic acid group. In some cases, the pendanthydrophilic group includes one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10or more) sulfonate groups. In some cases, the pendant hydrophilic groupincludes one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more)phosphate groups. In some examples, the pendant hydrophilic groupincludes one or more ammonium groups (e.g., tertiary and/or quaternaryammonium). In other examples, the pendant hydrophilic group includes oneor more zwitterionic groups (e.g., a betaine, such aspoly(carboxybetaine (pCB) and ammonium phosphonate groups such as aphosphatidylcholine group).

In some aspects, the R₂ segment can include charged groups that arecapable of binding to a counterion to ionically crosslink thethermoplastic polymer and form ionomers. In these aspects, for example,R₂ is an aliphatic or aromatic group having pendant amino, carboxylate,sulfonate, phosphate, ammonium, or zwitterionic groups, or combinationsthereof.

In various cases when a pendant hydrophilic group is present, thependant “hydrophilic” group is at least one polyether group, such as twopolyether groups. In other cases, the pendant hydrophilic group is atleast one polyester. In various cases, the pendant hydrophilic group ispolylactone group (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone). Each carbon atom of thependant hydrophilic group can optionally be substituted with, e.g., aC₁₋₆ alkyl group. In some of these aspects, the aliphatic and aromaticgroups can be graft polymeric groups, wherein the pendant groups arehomopolymeric groups (e.g., polyether groups, polyester groups,polyvinylpyrrolidone groups).

In some aspects, the pendant hydrophilic group is a polyether group(e.g., a polyethylene oxide group, a polyethylene glycol group), apolyvinylpyrrolidone group, a polyacrylic acid group, or combinationsthereof.

The pendant hydrophilic group can be bonded to the aliphatic group oraromatic group through a linker. The linker can be any bifunctionalsmall molecule (e.g., C₁₋₂₀) capable of linking the pendant hydrophilicgroup to the aliphatic or aromatic group. For example, the linker caninclude a diisocyanate group, as previously described herein, which whenlinked to the pendant hydrophilic group and to the aliphatic or aromaticgroup forms a carbamate bond. In some aspects, the linker can be4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), as shown below.

In some exemplary aspects, the pendant hydrophilic group is apolyethylene oxide group and the linking group is MDI, as shown below.

In some cases, the pendant hydrophilic group is functionalized to enableit to bond to the aliphatic or aromatic group, optionally through thelinker. In various aspects, for example, when the pendant hydrophilicgroup includes an alkene group, which can undergo a Michael additionwith a sulfhydryl-containing bifunctional molecule (i.e., a moleculehaving a second reactive group, such as a hydroxyl group or aminogroup), to result in a hydrophilic group that can react with the polymerbackbone, optionally through the linker, using the second reactivegroup. For example, when the pendant hydrophilic group is apolyvinylpyrrolidone group, it can react with the sulfhydryl group onmercaptoethanol to result in hydroxyl-functionalizedpolyvinylpyrrolidone, as shown below.

In some of the aspects disclosed herein, at least one R₂ segmentincludes a polytetramethylene oxide group. In other exemplary aspects,at least one R₂ segment can include an aliphatic polyol groupfunctionalized with a polyethylene oxide group or polyvinylpyrrolidonegroup, such as the polyols described in E.P. Patent No. 2 462 908. Forexample, the R₂ segment can be derived from the reaction product of apolyol (e.g., pentaerythritol or 2,2,3-trihydroxypropanol) and eitherMDI-derivatized methoxypolyethylene glycol (to obtain compounds as shownin Formulas 6 or 7) or with MDI-derivatized polyvinylpyrrolidone (toobtain compounds as shown in Formulas 8 or 9) that had been previouslybeen reacted with mercaptoethanol, as shown below.

In various cases, at least one R₂ is a polysiloxane, In these cases, R₂can be derived from a silicone monomer of Formula 10, such as a siliconemonomer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,076, which is herebyincorporated by reference:

wherein: a is 1 to 10 or larger (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or10); each R₄ independently is hydrogen, C₀₁₋₁₈ alkyl, C₂₋₁₈ alkenyl,aryl, or polyether; and each R₅ independently is C₁₋₁₀ alkylene,polyether, or polyurethane.

In some aspects, each R₄ independently is a H, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₁₋₆ aryl, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polybutylene group.For example, each R₄ can independently be selected from the groupconsisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl,s-butyl, t-butyl, ethenyl, propenyl, phenyl, and polyethylene groups.

In various aspects, each R⁵ independently includes a C₁₋₁₀ alkylenegroup (e.g., a methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene,hexylene, heptylene, octylene, nonylene, or decylene group). In othercases, each R⁵ is a polyether group (e.g., a polyethylene,polypropylene, or polybutylene group). In various cases, each R5 is apolyurethane group.

Optionally, in some aspects, the polyurethane can include an at leastpartially crosslinked polymeric network that includes copolymer chainsthat are derivatives of polyurethane. In such cases, it is understoodthat the level of crosslinking is such that the polyurethane retainsthermoplastic properties (i.e., the crosslinked thermoplasticpolyurethane can be softened or melted and re-solidified under theprocessing conditions described herein). This crosslinked polymericnetwork can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with oneor more polyamino compounds, polysulfhydryl compounds, or combinationsthereof, as shown in Formulas 11 and 12, below:

wherein the variables are as described above. Additionally, theisocyanates can also be chain extended with one or more polyamino orpolythiol chain extenders to bridge two or more isocyanates, such aspreviously described for the polyurethanes of Formula 2.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyurethane is composed of MDI, PT_(m)O, and 1,4-butylene glycol, as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,523,005. For example, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition can comprise one or more thermoplastic polyurethane composedof thermoplastic polyurethane is composed of MDI, P T_(m)O, and1,4-butylene glycol.

As described herein, the thermoplastic polyurethane can be physicallycrosslinked through e.g., nonpolar or polar interactions between theurethane or carbamate groups on the polymers (the hard segments. Inthese aspects, component R₁ in Formula 1, and components R₁ and R₃ inFormula 2, forms the portion of the polymer often referred to as the“hard segment”, and component R₂ forms the portion of the polymer oftenreferred to as the “soft segment”. In these aspects, the soft segmentcan be covalently bonded to the hard segment. In some examples, thethermoplastic polyurethane having physically crosslinked hard and softsegments can be a hydrophilic thermoplastic polyurethane (i.e., athermoplastic polyurethane including hydrophilic groups as disclosedherein).

Commercially available thermoplastic polyurethanes having greaterhydrophilicity suitable for the present use include, but are not limitedto those under the tradename “TECOPHILIC”, such as TG-500, TG-2000,SP-80A-150, SP-93A-100, SP-60D-60 (Lubrizol, Countryside, Ill.),“ESTANE” (e.g., ALR G 500, or 58213; Lubrizol, Countryside, Ill.).

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polyurethane can be partiallycovalently crosslinked, as previously described herein.

Thermoplastic Polyamides

In various aspects, the disclosed materials, such as yarns, fibers, or acombination of yarns and fibers, can comprise one or more thermoplasticpolymer comprising a thermoplastic polyamide. The thermoplasticpolyamide can be a polyamide homopolymer having repeating polyamidesegments of the same chemical structure. Alternatively, the polyamidecan comprise a number of polyamide segments having different polyamidechemical structures (e.g., polyamide 6 segments, polyamide 11 segments,polyamide 12 segments, polyamide 66 segments, etc.). The polyamidesegments having different chemical structure can be arranged randomly,or can be arranged as repeating blocks.

In aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can be a block co-polyamide. Forexample, the block co-polyamide can have repeating blocks of hardsegments, and repeating blocks soft segments. The hard segments cancomprise polyamide segments, and the soft segments can comprisenon-polyamide segments. The thermoplastic polymers can be an elastomericthermoplastic co-polyamide comprising or consisting of blockco-polyamides having repeating blocks of hard segments and repeatingblocks of soft segments. In block co-polymers, including blockco-polymers having repeating hard segments and soft segments, physicalcrosslinks can be present within the blocks or between the blocks orboth within and between the blocks.

The thermoplastic polyamide can be a co-polyamide (i.e., a co-polymerincluding polyamide segments and non-polyamide segments). The polyamidesegments of the co-polyamide can comprise or consist of polyamide 6segments, polyamide 11 segments, polyamide 12 segments, polyamide 66segments, or any combination thereof. The polyamide segments of theco-polyamide can be arranged randomly, or can be arranged as repeatingblocks. In a particular example, the polyamide segments can comprise orconsist of polyamide 6 segments, or polyamide 12 segments, or bothpolyamide 6 segment and polyamide 12 segments. In the example where thepolyamide segments of the co-polyamide include of polyamide 6 segmentsand polyamide 12 segments, the segments can be arranged randomly. Thenon-polyamide segments of the co-polyamide can comprise or consist ofpolyether segments, polyester segments, or both polyether segments andpolyester segments. The co-polyamide can be a block co-polyamide, or canbe a random co-polyamide. The thermoplastic copolyamide can be formedfrom the polycodensation of a polyamide oligomer or prepolymer with asecond oligomer prepolymer to form a block copolyamide (i.e., a blockco-polymer including polyamide segments. Optionally, the secondprepolymer can be a hydrophilic prepolymer.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyamide itself, or the polyamidesegment of the thermoplastic copolyamide can be derived from thecondensation of polyamide prepolymers, such as lactams, amino acids,and/or diamino compounds with dicarboxylic acids, or activated formsthereof. The resulting polyamide segments include amide linkages(—(CO)NH—). The term “amino acid” refers to a molecule having at leastone amino group and at least one carboxyl group. Each polyamide segmentof the thermoplastic polyamide can be the same or different.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyamide or the polyamide segment ofthe thermopolastic copolyamide is derived from the polycondensation oflactams and/or amino acids, and includes an amide segment having astructure shown in Formula 13, below, wherein R₆ is the segment of thepolyamide derived from the lactam or amino acid.

In some aspects, R₆ is derived from a lactam. In some cases, R₆ isderived from a C₃₋₂₀ lactam, or a C₄₋₁₅ lactam, or a C₆₋₁₂ lactam. Forexample, R₆ can be derived from caprolactam or laurolactam. In somecases, R₆ is derived from one or more amino acids. In various cases, R₆is derived from a C₄₋₂₅ amino acid, or a C₅₋₂₀ amino acid, or a C₈₋₁₅amino acid. For example, R₆ can be derived from 12-aminolauric acid or11-aminoundecanoic acid.

Optionally, in order to increase the relative degree of hydrophilicityof the thermoplastic copolyamide, Formula 13 can include apolyamide-polyether block copolymer segment, as shown below:

wherein m is 3-20, and n is 1-8. In some exemplary aspects, m is 4-15,or 6-12 (e.g., 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12), and n is 1, 2, or 3. Forexample, m can be 11 or 12, and n can be 1 or 3. In various aspects, thethermoplastic polyamide or the polyamide segment of the thermoplasticco-polyamide is derived from the condensation of diamino compounds withdicarboxylic acids, or activated forms thereof, and includes an amidesegment having a structure shown in Formula 15, below, wherein R₇ is thesegment of the polyamide derived from the diamino compound, R₈ is thesegment derived from the dicarboxylic acid compound:

In some aspects, R₇ is derived from a diamino compound that includes analiphatic group having C₄₋₁₅ carbon atoms, or C₅₋₁₀ carbon atoms, orC₆₋₉ carbon atoms. In some aspects, the diamino compound includes anaromatic group, such as phenyl, naphthyl, xylyl, and tolyl. Suitablediamino compounds from which R₇ can be derived include, but are notlimited to, hexamethylene diamine (HMD), tetramethylene diamine,trimethyl hexamethylene diamine (T_(m)D), m-xylylene diamine (MXD), and1,5-pentamine diamine. In various aspects, R₈ is derived from adicarboxylic acid or activated form thereof, includes an aliphatic grouphaving C₄₋₁₅ carbon atoms, or C₅₋₁₂ carbon atoms, or C₆₋₁₀ carbon atoms.In some cases, the dicarboxylic acid or activated form thereof fromwhich R₈ can be derived includes an aromatic group, such as phenyl,naphthyl, xylyl, and tolyl groups. Suitable carboxylic acids oractivated forms thereof from which R₈ can be derived include, but arenot limited to adipic acid, sebacic acid, terephthalic acid, andisophthalic acid. In some aspects, the copolymer chains aresubstantially free of aromatic groups.

In some aspects, each polyamide segment of the thermoplastic polyamide(including the thermoplastic copolyamide) is independently derived froma polyamide prepolymer selected from the group consisting of12-aminolauric acid, caprolactam, hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyamide comprises or consists of athermoplastic poly(ether-block-amide). The thermoplasticpoly(ether-block-amide) can be formed from the polycondensation of acarboxylic acid terminated polyamide prepolymer and a hydroxylterminated polyether prepolymer to form a thermoplasticpoly(ether-block-amide), as shown in Formula 16:

In various aspects, a disclosed poly(ether block amide) polymer isprepared by polycondensation of polyamide blocks containing reactiveends with polyether blocks containing reactive ends. Examples include,but are not limited to: 1) polyamide blocks containing diamine chainends with polyoxyalkylene blocks containing carboxylic chain ends; 2)polyamide blocks containing dicarboxylic chain ends with polyoxyalkyleneblocks containing diamine chain ends obtained by cyanoethylation andhydrogenation of aliphatic dihydroxylated alpha-omega polyoxyalkylenesknown as polyether diols; 3) polyamide blocks containing dicarboxylicchain ends with polyether diols, the products obtained in thisparticular case being polyetheresteramides. The polyamide block of thethermoplastic poly(ether-block-amide) can be derived from lactams, aminoacids, and/or diamino compounds with dicarboxylic acids as previouslydescribed. The polyether block can be derived from one or morepolyethers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide(PEO), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF),polytetramethylene oxide (P T_(m)O), and combinations thereof.

Disclosed poly(ether block amide) polymers include those comprisingpolyamide blocks comprising dicarboxylic chain ends derived from thecondensation of α, ω-aminocarboxylic acids, of lactams or ofdicarboxylic acids and diamines in the presence of a chain-limitingdicarboxylic acid. In poly(ether block amide) polymers of this type, aα, ω-aminocarboxylic acid such as aminoundecanoic acid can be used; alactam such as caprolactam or lauryllactam can be used; a dicarboxylicacid such as adipic acid, decanedioic acid or dodecanedioic acid can beused; and a diamine such as hexamethylenediamine can be used; or variouscombinations of any of the foregoing. In various aspects, the copolymercomprises polyamide blocks comprising polyamide 12 or of polyamide 6.

Disclosed poly(ether block amide) polymers include those comprisingpolyamide blocks derived from the condensation of one or more α,ω-aminocarboxylic acids and/or of one or more lactams containing from 6to 12 carbon atoms in the presence of a dicarboxylic acid containingfrom 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and are of low mass, i.e., they have an M_(n)of from 400 to 1000. In poly(ether block amide) polymers of this type, aα, ω-aminocarboxylic acid such as aminoundecanoic acid oraminododecanoic acid can be used; a dicarboxylic acids such as adipicacid, sebacic acid, isophthalic acid, butanedioic acid,1,4-cyclohexyldicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, the sodium orlithium salt of sulphoisophthalic acid, dimerized fatty acids (thesedimerized fatty acids have a dimer content of at least 98% and arepreferably hydrogenated) and dodecanedioic acid HOOC—(CH₂)₁₀—COOH can beused; and a lactam such as caprolactam and lauryllactam can be used; orvarious combinations of any of the foregoing. In various aspects, thecopolymer comprises polyamide blocks obtained by condensation oflauryllactam in the presence of adipic acid or dodecanedioic acid andwith a M_(n) of 750 have a melting point of 127-130° C. In a furtheraspect, the various constituents of the polyamide block and theirproportion can be chosen in order to obtain a melting point of less than150° C. and advantageously between 90° C. and 135° C.

Disclosed poly(ether block amide) polymers include those comprisingpolyamide blocks derived from the condensation of at least one α,ω-aminocarboxylic acid (or a lactam), at least one diamine and at leastone dicarboxylic acid. In copolymers of this type, a α,ω-aminocarboxylicacid, the lactam and the dicarboxylic acid can be chosen from thosedescribed herein above and the diamine such as an aliphatic diaminecontaining from 6 to 12 atoms and can be arylic and/or saturated cyclicsuch as, but not limited to, hexamethylenediamine, piperazine,1-aminoethylpiperazine, bisaminopropylpiperazine, tetramethylenediamine,octamethylene-diamine, decamethylenediamine, dodecamethylenediamine,1,5-diaminohexane, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-diaminohexane, diamine polyols,isophoronediamine (IPD), methylpentamethylenediamine (MPDM),bis(aminocyclohexyl)methane (BACM) andbis(3-methyl-4-aminocyclohexyl)methane (BMACM) can be used.

In various aspects, the constituents of the polyamide block and theirproportion can be chosen in order to obtain a melting point of less than150° C. and advantageously between 90° C. and 135° C. In a furtheraspect, the various constituents of the polyamide block and theirproportion can be chosen in order to obtain a melting point of less than150° C. and advantageously between 90° C. and 135° C.

In an aspect, the number average molar mass of the polyamide blocks canbe from about 300 g/mol and about 15,000 g/mol, from about 500 g/mol andabout 10,000 g/mol, from about 500 g/mol and about 6,000 g/mol, fromabout 500 g/mol to 5,000 g/mol, and from about 600 g/mol and about 5,000g/mol. In a further aspect, the number average molecular weight of thepolyether block can range from about 100 g/mol to about 6,000 g/mol,from about 400 g/mol to 3000 g/mol and from about 200 g/mol to about3,000 g/mol. In a still further aspect, the polyether (PE) content (x)of the poly(ether block amide) polymer can be from about 0.05 to about0.8 (i.e., from about 5 mol % to about 80 mol %). In a yet furtheraspect, the polyether blocks can be present from about 10 wt % to about50 wt %, from about 20 wt % to about 40 wt %, and from about 30 wt % toabout 40 wt %. The polyamide blocks can be present from about 50 wt % toabout 90 wt %, from about 60 wt % to about 80 wt %, and from about 70 wt% to about 90 wt %.

In an aspect, the polyether blocks can contain units other than ethyleneoxide units, such as, for example, propylene oxide orpolytetrahydrofuran (which leads to polytetramethylene glycolsequences). It is also possible to use simultaneously PEG blocks, i.e.those consisting of ethylene oxide units, PPG blocks, i.e. thoseconsisting of propylene oxide units, and P T_(m)G blocks, i.e. thoseconsisting of tetramethylene glycol units, also known aspolytetrahydrofuran. PPG or P T_(m)G blocks are advantageously used. Theamount of polyether blocks in these copolymers containing polyamide andpolyether blocks can be from about 10 wt % to about 50 wt % of thecopolymer and from about 35 wt % to about 50 wt %.

The copolymers containing polyamide blocks and polyether blocks can beprepared by any means for attaching the polyamide blocks and thepolyether blocks. In practice, two processes are essentially used, onebeing a 2-step process and the other a one-step process.

In the two-step process, the polyamide blocks having dicarboxylic chainends are prepared first, and then, in a second step, these polyamideblocks are linked to the polyether blocks. The polyamide blocks havingdicarboxylic chain ends are derived from the condensation of polyamideprecursors in the presence of a chain-stopper dicarboxylic acid. If thepolyamide precursors are only lactams or α,ω-aminocarboxylic acids, adicarboxylic acid is added. If the precursors already comprise adicarboxylic acid, this is used in excess with respect to thestoichiometry of the diamines. The reaction usually takes place between180 and 300° C., preferably 200 to 290° C., and the pressure in thereactor is set between 5 and 30 bar and maintained for approximately 2to 3 hours. The pressure in the reactor is slowly reduced to aT_(m)ospheric pressure and then the excess water is distilled off, forexample for one or two hours.

Once the polyamide having carboxylic acid end groups has been prepared,the polyether, the polyol and a catalyst are then added. The totalamount of polyether can be divided and added in one or more portions, ascan the catalyst. In an aspect, the polyether is added first and thereaction of the OH end groups of the polyether and of the polyol withthe COOH end groups of the polyamide starts, with the formation of esterlinkages and the elimination of water. Water is removed as much aspossible from the reaction mixture by distillation and then the catalystis introduced in order to complete the linking of the polyamide blocksto the polyether blocks. This second step takes place with stirring,preferably under a vacuum of at least 50 mbar (5000 Pa) at a temperaturesuch that the reactants and the copolymers obtained are in the moltenstate. By way of example, this temperature can be between 100 and 400°C. and usually between 200 and 250° C. The reaction is monitored bymeasuring the torque exerted by the polymer melt on the stirrer or bymeasuring the electric power consumed by the stirrer. The end of thereaction is determined by the value of the torque or of the targetpower. The catalyst is defined as being any product which promotes thelinking of the polyamide blocks to the polyether blocks byesterification. Advantageously, the catalyst is a derivative of a metal(M) chosen from the group formed by titanium, zirconium and hafnium.

In an aspect, the derivative can be prepared from a tetraalkoxidesconsistent with the general formula M(OR)₄, in which M representstitanium, zirconium or hafnium and R, which can be identical ordifferent, represents linear or branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to24 carbon atoms.

In a further aspect, the catalyst can comprise a salt of the metal (M),particularly the salt of (M) and of an organic acid and the complexsalts of the oxide of (M) and/or the hydroxide of (M) and an organicacid. In a still further aspect, the organic acid can be formic acid,acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid,caprylic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid,oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid,phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, oxalic acid, malonicacid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaricacid, phthalic acid and crotonic acid. Acetic and propionic acids areparticularly preferred. In some aspects, M is zirconium and such saltsare called zirconyl salts, e.g., the commercially available product soldunder the name zirconyl acetate.

In an aspect, the weight proportion of catalyst varies from about 0.01to about 5% of the weight of the mixture of the dicarboxylic polyamidewith the polyetherdiol and the polyol. In a further aspect, the weightproportion of catalyst varies from about 0.05 to about 2% of the weightof the mixture of the dicarboxylic polyamide with the polyetherdiol andthe polyol.

In the one-step process, the polyamide precursors, the chain stopper andthe polyether are blended together; what is then obtained is a polymerhaving essentially polyether blocks and polyamide blocks of veryvariable length, but also the various reactants that have reactedrandomly, which are distributed randomly along the polymer chain. Theyare the same reactants and the same catalyst as in the two-step processdescribed above. If the polyamide precursors are only lactams, it isadvantageous to add a little water. The copolymer has essentially thesame polyether blocks and the same polyamide blocks, but also a smallportion of the various reactants that have reacted randomly, which aredistributed randomly along the polymer chain. As in the first step ofthe two-step process described above, the reactor is closed and heated,with stirring. The pressure established is between 5 and 30 bar. Whenthe pressure no longer changes, the reactor is put under reducedpressure while still maintaining vigorous stirring of the moltenreactants. The reaction is monitored as previously in the case of thetwo-step process.

The proper ratio of polyamide to polyether blocks can be found in asingle poly(ether block amide), or a blend of two or more differentcomposition poly(ether block amide)s can be used with the proper averagecomposition. In one aspect, it can be useful to blend a block copolymerhaving a high level of polyamide groups with a block copolymer having ahigher level of polyether blocks, to produce a blend having an averagelevel of polyether blocks of about 20 to 40 wt % of the total blend ofpoly(amid-block-ether) copolymers, and preferably about 30 to 35 wt %.In a further aspect, the copolymer comprises a blend of two differentpoly(ether-block-amide)s comprising at least one block copolymer havinga level of polyether blocks below about 35 wt %, and a secondpoly(ether-block-amide) having at least about 45 wt % of polyetherblocks.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) from about90° C. to about 120° C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m)D3418-97 as described herein below. In a further aspect, thethermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or a poly(ether-block-amide) with amelting temperature (T_(m)) from about 93° C. to about 99° C. whendetermined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow. In a still further aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is apolyamide or a poly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature(T_(m)) from about 112° C. to about 118° C. when determined inaccordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In someaspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature of about 90° C.,about 91° C., about 92° C., about 93° C., about 94° C., about 95° C.,about 96° C., about 97° C., about 98° C., about 99° C., about 100° C.,about 101° C., about 102° C., about 103° C., about 104° C., about 105°C., about 106° C., about 107° C., about 108° C., about 109° C., about110° C., about 111° C., about 112° C., about 113° C., about 114° C.,about 115° C., about 116° C., about 117° C., about 118° C., about 119°C., about 120° C., any range of melting temperature (T_(m)) valuesencompassed by any of the foregoing values, or any combination of theforegoing melting temperature (T_(m)) values, when determined inaccordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) fromabout −20° C. to about 30° C. when determined in accordance with AST_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In a further aspect, thethermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or a poly(ether-block-amide) with aglass transition temperature (T_(m)) from about −13° C. to about −7° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow. In a still further aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is apolyamide or a poly(ether-block-amide) with a glass transitiontemperature (T_(m)) from about 17° C. to about 23° C. when determined inaccordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described herein below. In someaspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) ofabout −20° C., about −19° C., about −18° C., about −17° C., about −16°C., about −15° C., about −14° C., about −13° C., about −12° C., about−10° C., about −9° C., about −8° C., about −7° C., about −6° C., about−5° C., about −4° C., about −3° C., about −2° C., about −1° C., about 0°C., about 1° C., about 2° C., about 3° C., about 4° C., about 5° C.,about 6° C., about 7° C., about 8° C., about 9° C., about 10° C., about11° C., about 12° C., about 13° C., about 14° C., about 15° C., about16° C., about 17° C., about 18° C., about 19° C., about 20° C., anyrange of glass transition temperature values encompassed by any of theforegoing values, or any combination of the foregoing glass transitiontemperature values, when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97as described herein below.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) can be spun into a yarn when tested in a meltextruder.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melt flow index from about 10 cm³/10 minto about 30 cm³/10 min when tested in accordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13as described herein below at 160° C. using a weight of 2.16 kg. In afurther aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melt flow index from about 22 cm³/10 minto about 28 cm³/10 min when tested in accordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13as described herein below at 160° C. using a weight of 2.16 kg. In someaspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melt flow index of about 10 cm³/10 min,about 11 cm³/10 min, about 12 cm³/10 min, about 13 cm³/10 min, about 14cm³/10 min, about 15 cm³/10 min, about 16 cm³/10 min, about 17 cm³/10min, of about 18 cm³/10 min, about 19 cm³/10 min, of about 20 cm³/10min, about 21 cm³/10 min, about 22 cm³/10 min, about 23 cm³/10 min,about 24 cm³/10 min, about 25 cm³/10 min, about 26 cm³/10 min, about 27cm³/10 min, of about 28 cm³/10 min, about 29 cm³/10 min, of about 30cm³/10 min, any range of melt flow index values encompassed by any ofthe foregoing values, or any combination of the foregoing melt flowindex values, when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 asdescribed herein below at 160° C. using a weight of 2.16 kg.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a cold Ross flex test result of about120,000 to about 180,000 when tested on a thermoformed plaque of thepolyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with the coldRoss flex test as described herein below. In a further aspect, thethermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or a poly(ether-block-amide) with acold Ross flex test result of about 140,000 to about 160,000 when testedon a thermoformed plaque of the polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide)in accordance with the cold Ross flex test as described herein below. Ina still further aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a cold Ross flex test result of about130,000 to about 170,000 when tested on a thermoformed plaque of thepolyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordance with the coldRoss flex test as described herein below. In some aspects, thethermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or a poly(ether-block-amide) with acold Ross flex test result of about 120,000, about 125,000, about130,000, about 135,000, about 140,000, about 145,000, about 150,000,about 155,000, about 160,000, about 165,000, about 170,000, about175,000, about 180,000, any range of cold Ross flex test valuesencompassed by any of the foregoing values, or any combination of theforegoing cold Ross flex test values, when tested on a thermoformedplaque of the polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide) in accordancewith the cold Ross flex test as described herein below.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a modulus from about 5 MPa to about 100 MPawhen determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AS T_(m)D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and ThermoplasticRubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension with modificationsdescribed herein below. In a further aspect, the thermoplastic polymeris a polyamide or a poly(ether-block-amide) with a modulus from about 20MPa to about 80 MPa when determined on a thermoformed plaque inaccordance with AS T_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for VulcanizedRubber and Thermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tensionwith modifications described herein below. In some aspects, thethermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or a poly(ether-block-amide) with amodulus of about 5 MPa, about 10 MPa, about 15 MPa, about 20 MPa, about25 MPa, about 30 MPa, about 35 MPa, about 40 MPa, about 45 MPa, about 50MPa, about 55 MPa, about 60 MPa, about 65 MPa, about 70 MPa, about 75MPa, about 80 MPa, about 85 MPa, about 90 MPa, about 95 MPa, about 100MPa, any range of modulus values encompassed by any of the foregoingvalues, or any combination of the foregoing modulus values, when testedon a thermoformed plaque of the polyamide or the poly(ether-block-amide)in accordance with AS T_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for VulcanizedRubber and Thermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tensionwith modifications described herein below.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 115°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about −10° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a melt flow index of about 25 cm³/10 min when tested inaccordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 as described herein below at 160° C.using a weight of 2.16 kg; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000when tested on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Rossflex test as described herein below; and a modulus from about 25 MPa toabout 70 MPa when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance withAS T_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 96°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about 20° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000 when tested on athermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Ross flex test asdescribed herein below; and a modulus of less than or equal to about 10MPa a when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AST_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below.

In various aspects, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) is a mixture of a first polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 115°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about −10° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a melt flow index of about 25 cm³/10 min when tested inaccordance with AS T_(m) D1238-13 as described herein below at 160° C.using a weight of 2.16 kg; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000when tested on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Rossflex test as described herein below; and a modulus from about 25 MPa toabout 70 MPa when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance withAS T_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below; and a second polyamide or apoly(ether-block-amide) with a melting temperature (T_(m)) of about 96°C. when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as describedherein below; a glass transition temperature (T_(m)) of about 20° C.when determined in accordance with AS T_(m) D3418-97 as described hereinbelow; a cold Ross flex test result of about 150,000 when tested on athermoformed plaque in accordance with the cold Ross flex test asdescribed herein below; and a modulus of less than or equal to about 10MPa a when determined on a thermoformed plaque in accordance with AST_(m) D412-98 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber andThermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension withmodifications described herein below.

Exemplary commercially available copolymers include, but are not limitedto, those available under the tradenames of VESTAMID® (EvonikIndustries); PELATAMID® (Arkema), e.g., product code H2694; PEBAX®(Arkema), e.g., product code “PEBAX MH1657” and “PEBAX MV1074”; PEBAX®RNEW (Arkema); GRILAMID® (EMS-Chemie AG), or also to other similarmaterials produced by various other suppliers.

In some examples, the thermoplastic polyamide is physically crosslinkedthrough, e.g., nonpolar or polar interactions between the polyamidegroups of the polymers. In examples where the thermoplastic polyamide isa thermoplastic copolyamide, the thermoplastic copolyamide can bephysically crosslinked through interactions between the polyamidegroups, an optionally by interactions between the copolymer groups. Whenthe thermoplastic copolyamide is physically crosslinked thoroughinteractions between the polyamide groups, the polyamide segments canform the portion of the polymer referred to as the “hard segment”, andcopolymer segments can form the portion of the polymer referred to asthe “soft segment”. For example, when the thermoplastic copolyamide is athermoplastic poly(ether-block-amide), the polyamide segments form thehard segment portion of the polymer, and polyether segments can form thesoft segment portion of the polymer. Therefore, in some examples, thethermoplastic polymer can include a physically crosslinked polymericnetwork having one or more polymer chains with amide linkages.

In some aspects, the polyamide segment of the thermoplastic co-polyamideincludes polyamide-11 or polyamide-12 and the polyether segment is asegment selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide,polypropylene oxide, and polytetramethylene oxide segments, andcombinations thereof.

Optionally, the thermoplastic polyamide can be partially covalentlycrosslinked, as previously described herein. In such cases, it is to beunderstood that the degree of crosslinking present in the thermoplasticpolyamide is such that, when it is thermally processed in the form of ayarn or fiber to form the articles of footwear of the presentdisclosure, the partially covalently crosslinked thermoplastic polyamideretains sufficient thermoplastic character that the partially covalentlycrosslinked thermoplastic polyamide is softened or melted during theprocessing and re-solidifies.

Thermoplastic Polyesters

In aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can comprise a thermoplasticpolyester. The thermoplastic polyester can be formed by reaction of oneor more carboxylic acids, or its ester-forming derivatives, with one ormore bivalent or multivalent aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic oraraliphatic alcohols or a bisphenol. The thermoplastic polyester can bea polyester homopolymer having repeating polyester segments of the samechemical structure. Alternatively, the polyester can comprise a numberof polyester segments having different polyester chemical structures(e.g., polyglycolic acid segments, polylactic acid segments,polycaprolactone segments, polyhydroxyalkanoate segments,polyhydroxybutyrate segments, etc.). The polyester segments havingdifferent chemical structure can be arranged randomly, or can bearranged as repeating blocks.

Exemplary carboxylic acids that that can be used to prepare athermoplastic polyester include, but are not limited to, adipic acid,pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, nonanedicarboxylic acid, decane dicarboxylic acid, undecane dicarboxylic acid,terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, alkyl-substituted or halogenatedterephthalic acid, alkyl-substituted or halogenated isophthalic acid,nitro-terephthalic acid, 4,4′-diphenyl ether dicarboxylic acid,4,4′-diphenyl thioether dicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-diphenylsulfone-dicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-diphenyl alkylenedicarboxylic acid,naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid andcyclohexane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid. Exemplary diols or phenols suitablefor the preparation of the thermoplastic polyester include, but are notlimited to, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol,1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,10-decanediol,1,2-propanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol,2,2,4-trimethylhexanediol, p-xylenediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol,1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, and bis-phenol A.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyester is a polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT), a polytrimethylene terephthalate, apolyhexamethylene terephthalate, a poly-1,4-dimethylcyclohexaneterephthalate, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyethyleneisophthalate (PEI), a polyarylate (PAR), a polybutylene naphthalate(PBN), a liquid crystal polyester, or a blend or mixture of two or moreof the foregoing.

The thermoplastic polyester can be a co-polyester (i.e., a co-polymerincluding polyester segments and non-polyester segments). Theco-polyester can be an aliphatic co-polyester (i.e., a co-polyester inwhich both the polyester segments and the non-polyester segments arealiphatic). Alternatively, the co-polyester can include aromaticsegments. The polyester segments of the co-polyester can comprise orconsist of polyglycolic acid segments, polylactic acid segments,polycaprolactone segments, polyhydroxyalkanoate segments,polyhydroxybutyrate segments, or any combination thereof. The polyestersegments of the co-polyester can be arranged randomly, or can bearranged as repeating blocks.

For example, the thermoplastic polyester can be a block co-polyesterhaving repeating blocks of polymeric units of the same chemicalstructure (segments) which are relatively harder (hard segments), andrepeating blocks of polymeric segments which are relatively softer (softsegments). In block co-polyesters, including block co-polyesters havingrepeating hard segments and soft segments, physical crosslinks can bepresent within the blocks or between the blocks or both within andbetween the blocks. In a particular example, the thermoplastic materialcan comprise or consist essentially of an elastomeric thermoplasticco-polyester having repeating blocks of hard segments and repeatingblocks of soft segments.

The non-polyester segments of the co-polyester can comprise or consistof polyether segments, polyamide segments, or both polyether segmentsand polyamide segments. The co-polyester can be a block co-polyester, orcan be a random co-polyester. The thermoplastic copolyester can beformed from the polycodensation of a polyester oligomer or prepolymerwith a second oligomer prepolymer to form a block copolyester.Optionally, the second prepolymer can be a hydrophilic prepolymer. Forexample, the co-polyester can be formed from the polycondensation ofterephthalic acid or naphthalene dicarboxylic acid with ethylene glycol,1,4-butanediol, or 1-3 propanediol. Examples of co-polyesters includepolyethelene adipate, polybutylene succinate,poly(3-hydroxbutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), polyethylene terephthalate,polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylenenapthalate, and combinations thereof. In a particular example, theco-polyamide can comprise or consist of polyethylene terephthalate.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyester is a block copolymercomprising segments of one or more of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),a polytrimethylene terephthalate, a polyhexamethylene terephthalate, apoly-1,4-dimethylcyclohexane terephthalate, a polyethylene terephthalate(PET), a polyethylene isophthalate (PEI), a polyarylate (PAR), apolybutylene naphthalate (PBN), and a liquid crystal polyester. Forexample, a suitable thermoplastic polyester that is a block copolymercan be a PET/PEI copolymer, a polybutylene terephthalate/tetraethyleneglycol copolymer, a polyoxyalkylenediimide diacid/polybutyleneterephthalate copolymer, or a blend or mixture of any of the foregoing.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyester is a biodegradable resin,for example, a copolymerized polyester in which poly(α-hydroxy acid)such as polyglycolic acid or polylactic acid is contained as principalrepeating units.

The disclosed thermoplastic polyesters can be prepared by a variety ofpolycondensation methods known to the skilled artisan, such as a solventpolymerization or a melt polymerization process.

Thermoplastic Polyolefins

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polymers can comprise or consistessentially of a thermoplastic polyolefin. Exemplary of thermoplasticpolyolefins useful in the disclosed compositions, yarns, and fibers caninclude, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, andthermoplastic olefin elastomers (e.g., metallocene-catalyzed blockcopolymers of ethylene and α-olefins having 4 to about 8 carbon atoms).In a further aspect, the thermoplastic polyolefin is a polymercomprising a polyethylene, an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, anethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), a polybutene, a polyisobutylene, apoly-4-methylpent-1-ene, a polyisoprene, a polybutadiene, aethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, and an olefin elastomer such as adynamically cross-linked polymer obtained from polypropylene (PP) and anethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), and blends or mixtures of theforegoing. Further exemplary thermoplastic polyolefins useful in thedisclosed compositions, yarns, and fibers are polymers of cycloolefinssuch as cyclopentene or norbornene.

It is to be understood that polyethylene, which optionally can becrosslinked, is inclusive a variety of polyethylenes, including, but notlimited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE), (VLDPE) and (ULDPE), medium density polyethylene(MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), high density and highmolecular weight polyethylene (HDPE-HMW), high density and ultrahighmolecular weight polyethylene (HDPE-UHMW), and blends or mixtures of anythe foregoing polyethylenes. A polyethylene can also be a polyethylenecopolymer derived from monomers of monolefins and diolefinscopolymerized with a vinyl, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylacrylate, vinyl alcohol, and/or vinyl acetate. Polyolefin copolymerscomprising vinyl acetate-derived units can be a high vinyl acetatecontent copolymer, e.g., greater than about 50 wt % vinylacetate-derived composition.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyolefin, as disclosed herein, canbe formed through free radical, cationic, and/or anionic polymerizationby methods well known to those skilled in the art (e.g., using aperoxide initiator, heat, and/or light). In a further aspect, thedisclosed thermoplastic polyolefin can be prepared by radicalpolymerization under high pressure and at elevated temperature.Alternatively, the thermoplastic polyolefin can be prepared by catalyticpolymerization using a catalyst that normally contains one or moremetals from group IVb, Vb, VIb or VIII metals. The catalyst usually hasone or more than one ligand, typically oxides, halides, alcoholates,esters, ethers, amines, alkyls, alkenyls and/or aryls that can be eitherp- or s-coordinated complexed with the group IVb, Vb, VIb or VIII metal.In various aspects, the metal complexes can be in the free form or fixedon substrates, typically on activated magnesium chloride, titanium(III)chloride, alumina or silicon oxide. It is understood that the metalcatalysts can be soluble or insoluble in the polymerization medium. Thecatalysts can be used by themselves in the polymerization or furtheractivators can be used, typically a group Ia, IIa and/or IIIa metalalkyls, metal hydrides, metal alkyl halides, metal alkyl oxides or metalalkyloxanes. The activators can be modified conveniently with furtherester, ether, amine or silyl ether groups.

Suitable thermoplastic polyolefins can be prepared by polymerization ofmonomers of monolefins and diolefins as described herein. Exemplarymonomers that can be used to prepare disclosed thermoplastic polyolefininclude, but are not limited to, ethylene, propylene, 1-butene,1-pentene, 1-hexene, 2-methyl-1-propene, 3-methyl-1-pentene,4-methyl-1-pentene, 5-methyl-1-hexene and mixtures thereof.

Suitable ethylene-α-olefin copolymers can be obtained bycopolymerization of ethylene with an α-olefin such as propylene,butene-1, hexene-1, octene-1,4-methyl-1-pentene or the like havingcarbon numbers of 3 to 12.

Suitable dynamically cross-linked polymers can be obtained bycross-linking a rubber component as a soft segment while at the sametime physically dispersing a hard segment such as PP and a soft segmentsuch as EPDM by using a kneading machine such as a Banbbury mixer and abiaxial extruder.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyolefin can be a mixture ofthermoplastic polyolefins, such as a mixture of two or more polyolefinsdisclosed herein above. For example, a suitable mixture of thermoplasticpolyolefins can be a mixture of polypropylene with polyisobutylene,polypropylene with polyethylene (for example PP/HDPE, PP/LDPE) ormixtures of different types of polyethylene (for example LDPE/HDPE).

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyolefin can be a copolymer ofsuitable monolefin monomers or a copolymer of a suitable monolefinmonomer and a vinyl monomer. Exemplary thermoplastic polyolefincopolymers include, but are not limited to, ethylene/propylenecopolymers, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and mixtures thereofwith low density polyethylene (LDPE), propylene/but-1-ene copolymers,propylene/isobutylene copolymers, ethylene/but-1-ene copolymers,ethylene/hexene copolymers, ethylene/methylpentene copolymers,ethylene/heptene copolymers, ethylene/octene copolymers,propylene/butadiene copolymers, isobutylene/isoprene copolymers,ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl methacrylatecopolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers and their copolymers withcarbon monoxide or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers and their salts(ionomers) as well as terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a dienesuch as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or ethylidene-norbornene; andmixtures of such copolymers with one another and with polymers mentionedin 1) above, for example polypropylene/ethylene-propylene copolymers,LDPE/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), LDPE/ethylene-acrylic acidcopolymers (EAA), LLDPE/EVA, LLDPE/EAA and alternating or randompolyalkylene/carbon monoxide copolymers and mixtures thereof with otherpolymers, for example polyamides.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic polyolefin can be a polypropylenehomopolymer, a polypropylene copolymers, a polypropylene randomcopolymer, a polypropylene block copolymer, a polyethylene homopolymer,a polyethylene random copolymer, a polyethylene block copolymer, a lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE),a medium density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene (HDPE), orblends or mixtures of one or more of the preceding polymers.

In some aspects, the polyolefin is a polypropylene. The term“polypropylene,” as used herein, is intended to encompass any polymericcomposition comprising propylene monomers, either alone or in mixture orcopolymer with other randomly selected and oriented polyolefins, dienes,or other monomers (such as ethylene, butylene, and the like). Such aterm also encompasses any different configuration and arrangement of theconstituent monomers (such as atactic, syndiotactic, isotactic, and thelike). Thus, the term as applied to fibers is intended to encompassactual long strands, tapes, threads, and the like, of drawn polymer. Thepolypropylene can be of any standard melt flow (by testing); however,standard fiber grade polypropylene resins possess ranges of Melt FlowIndices between about 1 and 1000.

In some aspects, the polyolefin is a polyethylene. The term“polyethylene,” as used herein, is intended to encompass any polymericcomposition comprising ethylene monomers, either alone or in mixture orcopolymer with other randomly selected and oriented polyolefins, dienes,or other monomers (such as propylene, butylene, and the like). Such aterm also encompasses any different configuration and arrangement of theconstituent monomers (such as atactic, syndiotactic, isotactic, and thelike). Thus, the term as applied to fibers is intended to encompassactual long strands, tapes, threads, and the like, of drawn polymer. Thepolyethylene can be of any standard melt flow (by testing); however,standard fiber grade polyethylene resins possess ranges of Melt FlowIndices between about 1 and 1000.

Additives

In some aspects, a disclosed thermoplastic polymer, fiber, filament,yarn, or fabric can further comprise an additive. The additive can beincorporated directly into a fiber, filament, yarn, or fabric, oralternatively, applied thereto. Additives that can be used in thedisclosed thermoplastic polymers, fibers, filaments, yarns, or fabricsinclude, but are not limited to, dyes, pigments, colorants, ultravioletlight absorbers, hindered amine light stabilizers, antioxidants,processing aids or agents, plasticizers, lubricants, emulsifiers,pigments, dyes, optical brighteners, rheology additives, catalysts,flow-control agents, slip agents, crosslinking agents, crosslinkingboosters, halogen scavengers, smoke inhibitors, flameproofing agents,antistatic agents, fillers, or mixtures of two or more of the foregoing.When used, an additive can be present in an amount of from about 0.01 wt% to about 10 wt %, about 0.025 wt % to about 5 wt %, or about 0.1 wt %to 3 wt %, where the wt % is based upon the sum of the materialcomponents in the thermoplastic composition, fiber, filament, yarn, orfabric.

Individual components can be mixed together with the other components ofthe thermoplastic composition in a continuous mixer or a batch mixer,e.g., in an intermeshing rotor mixer, such as an Intermix mixer, a twinscrew extruder, in a tangential rotor mixer such as a Banbury mixer,using a two-roll mill, or some combinations of these to make acomposition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an additive. Themixer can blend the components together via a single step or multiplesteps, and can mix the components via dispersive mixing or distributivemixing to form the resulting thermoplastic composition. This step isoften referred to as “compounding.”

In some aspects, the additive is an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid,an alkylated monophenol, an alkylthiomethylphenol, a hydroquinone oralkylated hydroquinone, a tocopherol, a hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ether,an alkylidenebisphenol, a benzyl compound, a hydroxylated malonate, anaromatic hydroxybenzl compound, a triazine compound, abenzylphosphonate, an acylaminophenol, an ester ofβ-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid with mono- orpolyhydric alcohols, an ester ofβ-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionic acid with mono- orpolyhydric alcohols, an ester ofβ-(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid with mono- orpolyhydric alcohols, an ester of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, an amide ofβ-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydromhenyl)propionic acid, an aminicantioxidant, or mixtures of two or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary alkylated monophenols include, but are not limited to,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-tert-butyl-4,6-dimethylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol, 2,6-dicyclopentyl-4-methylphenol,2-(α-ethylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethylphenol,2,6-dioctadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tricyclohexylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol, nonylphenols which are linearor branched in the side chains, for example,2,6-di-nonyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1-methylundec-1-yl)phenol,2,4-dimethyl-6-(1-methylheptadec-1-yl)phenol,2,4-dimethyl-6-(1-methyltridec-1-yl)phenol, and mixtures of two or moreof the foregoing.

Exemplary alkylthiomethylphenols include, but are not limited to,2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-tert-butylphenol,2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-methylphenol,2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-ethylphenol,2,6-di-dodecylthiomethyl-4-nonylphenol, and mixtures of two or more ofthe foregoing.

Exemplary hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones include, but are notlimited to, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol,2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-amylhydroquinone,2,6-diphenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butylhydroquinone,2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole,3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl stearate,bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)adipate, and mixtures of two ormore of the foregoing.

Exemplary tocopherols include, but are not limited to, α-tocopherol,p-tocopherol, 7-tocopherol, 6-tocopherol, and mixtures of two or more ofthe foregoing.

Exemplary hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers include, but are not limitedto, 2,2′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol),2,2′-thiobis(4-octylphenol), 4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol),4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol),4,4′-thiobis-(3,6-di-sec-amylphenol),4,4′-bis(2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)disulfide, and mixtures of two ormore of the foregoing.

Exemplary alkylidenebisphenols include, but are not limited to,2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis[4-methyl-6-(α-methylcyclohexyl)phenol],2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol),2,2′-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol),2,2′-ethylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis[6-(α-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol],2.2′-methylenebis[6-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol],4,4′-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol),4,4′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol),1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane,2,6-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol,1,1,3-tris(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane,1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane,ethylene glycol bis[3,3-bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)butyrate],bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-phenyl)dicyclopentadiene,bis[2-(3tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl]terephthalate,1,1-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)butane,2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propane,2,2-bis-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy2-methylphenyl)-4-n-dodecylmercaptobutane,1,1,5,5-tetra-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)pentane, andmixtures of two or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary benzyl compounds include, but are not limited to,3,5,3′,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-4,4′-dihydroxydibenzyl ether,octadecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzylmercaptoacetate,tridecyl-4-hydroxy-3, 5-di-tert-butylbenzylmercaptoacetate,tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)amine,1,3,5-tri-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene,di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)sulfide,3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-mercapto-acetic acid isooctyl ester,bis-(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)dithiol terephthalate,1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate,1,3,5-tris-(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate,3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-phosphoric acid dioctadecyl ester and3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-phosphoric acid monoethyl ester, andmixtures of two or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary hydroxybenzylated malonates include, but are not limited to,dioctadecyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-malonate,di-octadecyl-2-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-ethylbenzyl)-malonate,di-dodecylmercaptoethyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate,bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate,and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary aromatic hydroxybenzl compounds include, but are not limitedto, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene,1,4-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene,2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)phenol, and mixtures of twoor more of the foregoing.

Exemplary triazine compounds include, but are not limited to,2,4-bis(octylmercapto)-6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine,2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine,2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine,2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,2,3-triazine,1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzyl)isocyanurate,1,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate,2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine,1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenylpropionyl)-hexahydro-1.3,5-triazine,1,3,5-tris(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate, and mixturesof two or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary benzylphosphonates include, but are not limited to,dimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,diethyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,dioctadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,dioctadecyl-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylphosphonate, thecalcium salt of the monoethyl ester of3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid, and mixtures of two ormore of the foregoing.

Exemplary acylaminophenols include, but are not limited to,4-hydroxy-lauric acid anilide, 4-hydroxy-stearic acid anilide,2,4-bis-octylmercapto-6-(3,5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-s-triazine andoctyl-N-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-carbamate, and mixtures oftwo or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary esters of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid,include, but are not limited to esters with a mono- or polyhydricalcohol such as methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol,1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol,neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate,N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol,trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and mixturesof esters derived from two or more of the foregoing mono- or polyhydricalcohols.

Exemplary esters of β-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionicacid, include, but are not limited to esters with a mono- or polyhydricalcohol such as methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol,1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol,neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate,N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol,trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and mixturesof esters derived from two or more of the foregoing mono- or polyhydricalcohols.

Exemplary esters of β-(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid,include, but are not limited to esters with a mono- or polyhydricalcohol such as methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol,1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol,neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate,N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol,trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and mixturesof esters derived from two or more of the foregoing mono- or polyhydricalcohols.

Exemplary esters of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid,include, but are not limited to esters with a mono- or polyhydricalcohol such as methanol, ethanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol,1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol,neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate,N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol,trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane,4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and mixturesof esters derived from two or more of the foregoing mono- or polyhydricalcohols.

Exemplary amides of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydromhenyl)propionic acid,include, but are not limited to,N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hexamethylenediamide,N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)trimethylenediamide,N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazide,N,N′-bis[2-(3-[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl]propionyloxy)ethyl]oxamide,and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary aminic antioxidants include, but are not limited to,N,N′-di-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(1,4-dimethylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(1-ethyl-3-methylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(1-methylheptyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N,N′-bis(2-naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine,N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-(1-methylheptyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,N-cyclohexyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenlenediamine,4-(p-toluenesulfamoyl)diphenylamine,N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, diphenylamine,N-allyldiphenylamine, 4-isopropoxydiphenylamine,N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, N-(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-naphthylamine,N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, octylated diphenylamine, for examplep,p′-di-tert-octyldiphenylamine, 4-n-butylaminophenol,4-butyrylaminophenol, 4-nonanoylaminophenol, 4-dodecanoylaminophenol,4-octadecanoylaminophenol, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amine,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-dimethylaminomethylphenol,2,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, N, N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane,1,2-bis[(2-methylphenyl)amino]ethane, 1,2-bis(phenylamino)propane,(o-tolyl)biguanide, bis[4-(1′,3′-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]amine,tert-octylated N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, a mixture of mono- anddialkylated tert-butyl/tert-octyl-diphenylamines, a mixture of mono- anddialkylated nonyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylateddodecyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylatedisopropyl/isohexyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylatedtert-butyldiphenylamines, 2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-4H-1,4-benzothiazine.phenothiazine, a mixture of mono- and dialkylatedtert-butyl/tert-octylphenothiazines, a mixture of mono- and dialkylatedtert-octyl-phenothiazines, N-allylphenothiazin,N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-1,4-diaminobut-2-ene,N,N-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperid-4-yl-hexamethylenediamine,bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperid-4-yl)-sebacate,2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-ol,and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing.

In some aspects, the additive is a UV absorber and/or light stabilizer,including, but limited to, a 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazolecompound, a 2-hydroxybenzophenone compound, an ester of a substitutedand unsubstituted benzoic acid, an acrylate or malonate compound, asterically hindered amine stabilizer compound, an oxamide compound, atris-aryl-o-hydroxyphenyl-s-triazine compound, or mixtures of two ormore of the foregoing.

Exemplary 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole compounds include, butare not limited to, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3,5-di-t-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(2-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(2-hydroxy-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-chloro-2-(3,5-di-t-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-chloro-2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-sec-butyl-5-t-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3,5-di-t-amyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3,5-bis-α-cumyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-(ω)-hydroxy-octa-(ethyleneoxy)carbonyl-ethyl)-,phenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-dodecyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-octyloxycarbonyl)ethylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,dodecylated 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-carbonylethyl)-2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-t-butyl-5-(2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)carbonylethyl)-2-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-isooctyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl-2H-benzotriazole,2,2′-methylene-bis(4-t-octyl-(6-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol),2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(2-hydroxy-3-t-octyl-5-α-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-fluoro-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-α-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole.5-chloro-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-α-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-chloro-2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,2-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-(2-isooctyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole,5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,methyl3-(5-trifluoromethyl-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-5-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate,5-butylsulfonyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3-α-cumyl-5-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-trifluoromethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-α-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,5-butylsulfonyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole and5-phenylsulfonyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary 2-hydroxybenzophenone compounds include, but are not limitedto, 4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy, 4-octyloxy, 4-decyloxy, 4-dodecyloxy,4-benzyloxy, 4,2′,4′-trihydroxy and 2′-hydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxyderivatives of 2-hydroxybenzophenone, and mixtures of two or more suchderivatives.

Exemplary esters of a substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acidinclude, but are not limited to, 4-tertbutyl-phenyl salicylate, phenylsalicylate, octylphenyl salicylate, dibenzoyl resorcinol,bis(4-tert-butylbenzoyl)resorcinol, benzoyl resorcinol,2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, hexadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, octadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 2-methyl-4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, and mixtures of two or more of theforegoing.

Exemplary an acrylate or malonate compounds include, but are not limitedto, α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylic acid ethyl ester or isooctyl ester,α-carbomethoxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester,α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester or butyl ester,α-carbomethoxy-p-methoxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester,N-(β-carbomethoxy-β-cyanovinyl)-2-methyl-indoline, dimethylp-methoxybenzylidenemalonate,di-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl)p-methoxybenzylidenemalonate,and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary sterically hindered amine stabilizer compounds include, butare not limited to, 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,1-allyl-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,1-benzyl-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)succinate,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmalonate,tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)nitrilotriacetate,tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate,1,1′-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone),4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl) malonate,3-n-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-2,4-dione,bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)sebacate,bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidyl)succinate, linear or cycliccondensates ofN,N′-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine and4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine,8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione,3-dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidin-2,5-dione,3-dodecyl-1-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione,N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid,N-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid,2-undecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane,1,1-bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyloxycarbonyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene,N,N′-bis-formyl-N,N′-bis(2.2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine,poly[methylpropyl-3-oxy-4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)]siloxane,1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-octadecanoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-hexadecanoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)sebacate,bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)adipate,bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)succinate,bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)glutarateand2,4-bis{N-[1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl]-N-butylamino}-6-(2-hydroxyethyl-amino)-s-triazine,and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing.

Exemplary oxamide compounds include, but are not limited to,4,4′-dioctyloxyoxanilide, 2,2′-diethoxyoxanilide,2,2′-dioctyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide,2,2′-didodecyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide, 2-ethoxy-2′-ethyloxanilide,N,N′-bis(3-dimethylaminopropyl)oxamide,2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2′-ethoxanilide and its mixture with2-ethoxy-2′-ethyl-5,4′-di-tert-butoxanilide, mixtures of o- andp-methoxy-disubstituted oxanilides and mixtures of o- andp-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides, and mixtures of two or more of theforegoing.

Exemplary tris-aryl-o-hydroxyphenyl-s-triazine compounds include, butare not limited to,4,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-s-triazine,4,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-s-triazine,2,4-bis(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-s-triazine,2,4-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)phenyl]-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-s-triazine,2,4-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)phenyl]-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-s-triazine,2,4-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-6-(4-bromophenyl)-s-triazine,2,4-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(2-acetoxyethoxy)phenyl]-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-s-triazine,2,4-bis(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-dimethyl phenyl)-s-triazine,2,4-bis(4-biphenylyl)-6-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxycarbonylethylideneoxyphenyl)-s-triazine,2-phenyl-4-[2-hydroxy-4-(3-sec-butyloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)phenylJ-642-hydroxy-4-(3-sec-amyloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)-phenyl]-s-triazine,2,4-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-6-[2-hydroxy-4-(3-benzyloxy-2-hydroxy-propyloxy)phenyl]-s-triazine,2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-n-butyloxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-di-n-butyloxyphenyl)-s-triazine,methylenebis-{2,4-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-6-[2-hydroxy-4-(3-butyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)-phenyl]-s-triazine},2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-isooctyloxycarbonylisopropylideneoxyphenyl)-s-triazine,2,4-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-6-(2-hydroxy-4-hexyloxy-5-α-cumylphenyl)-s-triazine,2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,6-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(3-butyloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)phenyl]-s-triazine,2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-(3-sec-butyloxy-2-hydroxypropyloxy)phenyq-s-triazine,4,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxy-4-(3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy)-phenyl)-s-triazine,4,6-diphenyl-2-(4-hexyloxy-2-hydroxyphenyl)-s-triazine, and mixtures oftwo or more of the foregoing.

In some aspects, the additive is a peroxide scavenger such as an esterof β-thiodipropionic acid, e.g., the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl ortridecyl esters, mercaptobenzimidazole, and the zinc salt of2-mercapto-benzimidazole, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, dioctadecyldisulfide, pentaerythritol tetrakis(β-dodecylmercapto)propionate, ormixtures of any of the foregoing.

In some aspects, the additive is a polyamide stabilizer such as a coppersalt of a halogen, e.g., iodide, and/or phosphorus compounds and saltsof divalent manganese.

In some aspects, the additive is a basic co-stabilizer such as melamine,polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, ureaderivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamides, polyurethanes,alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of higher fatty acids,for example, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium behenate,magnesium stearate, sodium ricinoleate and potassium palmitate, antimonypyrocatecholate or zinc pyrocatecholate.

In some aspects, the additive is a nucleating agent such as talcum,metal oxides such as titanium dioxide or magnesium oxide, phosphates,carbonates or sulfates of, preferably, alkaline earth metals, ormixtures thereof. Alternatively, the nucleating agent can be a mono- orpolycarboxylic acids, and the salts thereof, e.g., 4-tert-butylbenzoicacid, adipic acid, diphenylacetic acid, sodium succinate, sodiumbenzoate, or mixtures thereof. In a further aspect, the additive can bea nucleating agent comprising both an inorganic and an organic materialas disclosed herein above.

In some aspects, the rheology modifier can be a nano-particles havingcomparatively high aspect ratios, nano-clays, nano-carbon, graphite,nano-silica, and the like.

In some aspects, the additive is a filler or reinforcing agent such asclay, kaolin, talc, asbestos, graphite, glass (such as glass fibers,glass particulates, and glass bulbs, spheres, or spheroids), mica,calcium metasilicate, barium sulfate, zinc sulfide, aluminum hydroxide,silicates, diatomaceous earth, carbonates (such as calcium carbonate,magnesium carbonate and the like), metals (such as titanium, tungsten,zinc, aluminum, bismuth, nickel, molybdenum, iron, copper, brass, boron,bronze, cobalt, beryllium, and alloys of these), metal oxides (such aszinc oxide, iron oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide,zirconium oxide and the like), metal hydroxides, particulate syntheticplastics (such as high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene,polystyrene, polyethylene ionomeric resins, polyamide, polyester,polyurethane, polyimide, and the like), synthetic fibers (such as fiberscomprising high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene,polystyrene, polyethylene ionomeric resins, polyamide, polyester,polyurethane, polyimide, and the like), particulate carbonaceousmaterials (such as carbon black and the like), wood flour and flours orfibers of other natural products, as well as cotton flock, celluloseflock, cellulose pulp, leather fiber, and combinations of any of theabove. Non-limiting examples of heavy-weight filler components that canbe used to increase the specific gravity of the cured elastomercomposition can include titanium, tungsten, aluminum, bismuth, nickel,molybdenum, iron, steel, lead, copper, brass, boron, boron carbidewhiskers, bronze, cobalt, beryllium, zinc, tin, metal oxides (such aszinc oxide, iron oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide,and zirconium oxide), metal sulfates (such as barium sulfate), metalcarbonates (such as calcium carbonate), and combinations of these.Non-limiting examples of light-weight filler components that can be usedto decrease the specific gravity of the elastomer compound can includeparticulate plastics, hollow glass spheres, ceramics, and hollowspheres, regrinds, and foams, which can be used in combinations.

In some aspects, the additive is a cross-linking agent. There are avariety of cross-linking agents that can be used in the disclosedthermoplastic compositions. For example, a cross-linking agent can be afree-radical initiator. The free radical initiator can generate freeradicals through thermo cleavage or UV radiation. The free-radicalinitiator can be present in an amount from about 0.001 wt % to about 1.0wt %. A variety of radical initiators can be used as the radical sourcesto make thermoplastic compositions have a crosslinked structure.Suitable radical initiators applied include peroxides, sulfurs, andsulfides. Exemplary peroxides include, but are not limited to, aliphaticperoxides and aromatic peroxides, such as diacetylperoxide,di-tert-butypperoxide, dicumyl peroxide, dibenzoylperoxide,2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(benzoylperoxy)hexane,2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(butylperoxy)-3-hexyne,2,5-bis-(t-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethyl hexane,n-butyl-4,4-bis(t-butylperoxyl)valerate,1,4-bis-(t-butylperoxyisopropyl)-benzene, t-butyl peroxybenzoate,1,1-bis-(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5 tri-methylcyclohexane, anddi(2,4-dichloro-benzoyl), or combinations of two or more of theforegoing.

colorants can include without limitation dyes, pigments, and the like,and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, the additive is a colorant. The term “colorant,” asused herein, means a compound providing color to a substrate, e.g., adisclosed thermoplastic composition. The colorant can be an organic orinorganic pigment, a dye, or mixtures or combinations thereof. In afurther aspect, the pigment or dye is an inorganic material such as ametal oxide, e.g., iron oxide or titanium dioxide. Alternatively, theinorganic pigment or dye can be a metal compound, e.g., strontiumchromate or barium sulfate, or a metallic pigment, e.g., aluminum flakesor particles. Other exemplary inorganic pigments include carbon black,talc, and the like. In some cases, the metal compound is not onecomprising cadmium. In can be desirable in some instances that theinorganic pigment or dye is not one that contains a lead, cadmium andchromium (VI) compound. In a further aspect, the pigment or dye is anorganic compound such as a perylene, phthalocyanine derivative (e.g.,copper phthalocyanine), a indanthrone, a benzimidazolone, aquinacridone, a perinone, and an azomethine derivative. In someinstances, the composition according to any method known to a personskilled in the art. For example, the colorant can be added to thethermoplastic composition in a mixing device such as an extruder,directly or else by means of a masterbatch. In various aspects, thedisclosed thermoplastic composition can comprise between about 0.005 wt% and about 5 wt % relative to the weight of the composition. In afurther aspect, the disclosed thermoplastic composition can comprisebetween about 0.01 wt % and about 3 wt % relative to the weight of thecomposition.

All technical and scientific terms used herein, unless definedotherwise, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the specification andrelevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly defined herein.

The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” areinclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a low processingtemperature polymeric composition,” “a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition,” or “a knit upper,” including, but not limitedto, two or more such low processing temperature polymeric compositions,low processing temperature polymeric compositions, or knit uppers, andthe like.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. Theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms can be only used to distinguish oneelement, component, region, layer or section from another region, layeror section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical termsdo not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by thecontext. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or sectiondiscussed below could be termed a second element, component, region,layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exampleconfigurations.

As used herein, the modifiers “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,”“upward,” “downward,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “longitudinal,”“transverse,” “front,” “back” etc., unless otherwise defined or madeclear from the disclosure, are relative terms meant to place the variousstructures or orientations of the structures of the article of footwearin the context of an article of footwear worn by a user standing on aflat, horizontal surface.

It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and othernumerical data can be expressed herein in a range format. Where thestated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding eitheror both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure,e.g. the phrase “x to y” includes the range from ‘x’ to ‘y’ as well asthe range greater than ‘x’ and less than ‘y’. The range can also beexpressed as an upper limit, e.g. ‘about x, y, z, or less’ and should beinterpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’, and‘about z’ as well as the ranges of ‘less than x’, less than y’, and‘less than z’. Likewise, the phrase ‘about x, y, z, or greater’ shouldbe interpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’,and ‘about z’ as well as the ranges of ‘greater than x’, greater thany’, and ‘greater than z’. In addition, the phrase “about ‘x’ to ‘y’”,where ‘x’ and ‘y’ are numerical values, includes “about ‘x’ to about‘y’”. It is to be understood that such a range format is used forconvenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexiblemanner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited asthe limits of the range, but also to include all the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, anumerical range of “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to includenot only the explicitly recited values of about 0.1% to about 5%, butalso include individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and thesub-ranges (e.g., 0.5%, 1.1%, 2.4%, 3.2%, and 4.4%) within the indicatedrange.

As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximate,” “at or about,” and“substantially” mean that the amount or value in question can be theexact value or a value that provides equivalent results or effects asrecited in the claims or taught herein. That is, it is understood thatamounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities andcharacteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximateand/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversionfactors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art such that equivalent results oreffects are obtained. In some circumstances, the value that providesequivalent results or effects cannot be reasonably determined. In suchcases, it is generally understood, as used herein, that “about” and “ator about” mean the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unlessotherwise indicated or inferred. In general, an amount, size,formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about,”“approximate,” or “at or about” whether or not expressly stated to besuch. It is understood that where “about,” “approximate,” or “at orabout” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includesthe specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically statedotherwise.

Reference to “a” chemical compound” refers to one or more molecules ofthe chemical compound, rather than being limited to a single molecule ofthe chemical compound. Furthermore, the one or more molecules can or cannot be identical, so long as they fall under the category of thechemical compound. Thus, for example, “a polyamide” is interpreted toinclude one or more polymer molecules of the polyamide, where thepolymer molecules can or can not be identical (e.g., different molecularweights and/or isomers).

The terms “at least one” and “one or more of” an element are usedinterchangeably, and have the same meaning that includes a singleelement and a plurality of the elements, and can also be represented bythe suffix “(s)” at the end of the element. For example, “at least onepolyamide”, “one or more polyamides”, and “polyamide(s)” can be usedinterchangeably and have the same meaning.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that thesubsequently described component, event or circumstance can or cannotoccur, and that the description includes instances where said component,event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The term “receiving”, such as for “receiving an upper for an article offootwear”, when recited in the claims, is not intended to require anyparticular delivery or receipt of the received item. Rather, the term“receiving” is merely used to recite items that will be referred to insubsequent elements of the claim(s), for purposes of clarity and ease ofreadability.

As used herein the terms “weight percent,” “wt %,” and “wt %,” which canbe used interchangeably, indicate the percent by weight of a givencomponent based on the total weight of the composition, unless otherwisespecified. That is, unless otherwise specified, all wt % values arebased on the total weight of the composition. It should be understoodthat the sum of wt % values for all components in a disclosedcomposition or formulation are equal to 100.

Compounds are described using standard nomenclature. For example, anyposition not substituted by any indicated group is understood to haveits valence filled by a bond as indicated, or a hydrogen atom. A dash(“-”) that is not between two letters or symbols is used to indicate apoint of attachment for a substituent. For example, —CHO is attachedthrough carbon of the carbonyl group. Unless defined otherwise,technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as iscommonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs.

Unless otherwise specified, temperatures referred to herein aredetermined at standard a T_(m)ospheric pressure (i.e., 1 a T_(m)).

Property Analysis and Characterization Procedures

Evaluation of various properties and characteristics of the part andsupport materials described herein are by various testing procedures asdescribed herein below.

Method to Determine the Creep Relation Temperature T_(cr).

The creep relation temperature T_(cr) is determined according to theexemplary techniques described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,058. The creeprelaxation temperature T_(cr) is calculated to be the temperature atwhich the stress relaxation modulus of the tested material is 10%relative to the stress relaxation modulus of the tested material at thesolidification temperature of the material, where the stress relaxationmodulus is measured according to AS T_(m) E328-02. The solidificationtemperature is defined as the temperature at which there is little to nochange in the stress relaxation modulus or little to no creep about 300seconds after a stress is applied to a test material, which can beobserved by plotting the stress relaxation modulus (in Pa) as a functionof temperature (in ° C.).

Method to Determine the Vicat Softening Temperature T_(vs).

The Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) is be determined according to thetest method detailed in AS T_(m) D1525-09 Standard Test Method for VicatSoftening Temperature of Plastics, preferably using Load A and Rate A.Briefly, the Vicat softening temperature is the temperature at which aflat-ended needle penetrates the specimen to the depth of 1 mm under aspecific load. The temperature reflects the point of softening expectedwhen a material is used in an elevated temperature application. It istaken as the temperature at which the specimen is penetrated to a depthof 1 mm by a flat-ended needle with a 1 mm² circular or squarecross-section. For the Vicat A test, a load of 10 N is used, whereas forthe Vicat B test, the load is 50 N. The test involves placing a testspecimen in the testing apparatus so that the penetrating needle restson its surface at least 1 mm from the edge. A load is applied to thespecimen per the requirements of the Vicat A or Vicate B test. Thespecimen is then lowered into an oil bath at 23° C. The bath is raisedat a rate of 50° C. or 120° C. per hour until the needle penetrates 1mm. The test specimen must be between 3 and 6.5 mm thick and at least 10mm in width and length. No more than three layers can be stacked toachieve minimum thickness.

Method to Determine the Heat Deflection Temperature T_(hd).

The heat deflection temperature T_(hd) is be determined according to thetest method detailed in AS T_(m) D648-16 Standard Test Method forDeflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load in the EdgewisePosition, using a 0.455 MPa applied stress. Briefly, the heat deflectiontemperature is the temperature at which a polymer or plastic sampledeforms under a specified load. This property of a given plasticmaterial is applied in many aspects of product design, engineering, andmanufacture of products using thermoplastic components. In the testmethod, the bars are placed under the deflection measuring device and aload (0.455 MPa) of is placed on each specimen. The specimens are thenlowered into a silicone oil bath where the temperature is raised at 2°C. per minute until they deflect 0.25 mm per AS T_(m) D648-16. AS T_(m)uses a standard bar 5″×½″×¼″. ISO edgewise testing uses a bar 120 mm×10mm×4 mm. ISO flatwise testing uses a bar 80 mm×10 mm×4 mm.

Method to Determine the Melting Temperature, T_(m), and Glass TransitionTemperature, T_(g).

The melting temperature T_(m) and glass transition temperature T_(g) aredetermined using a commercially available Differential ScanningCalorimeter (“DSC”) in accordance with AS T_(m)D3418-97. Briefly, a10-15 gram sample is placed into an aluminum DSC pan and then the leadwas sealed with the crimper press. The DSC is configured to scan from−100° C. to 225° C. with a 20° C./minute heating rate, hold at 225° C.for 2 minutes, and then cool down to 25° C. at a rate of −10° C./minute.The DSC curve created from this scan is then analyzed using standardtechniques to determine the glass transition temperature T_(g) and themelting temperature T_(m).

Method to Determine the Melt Flow Index.

The melt flow index is determined according to the test method detailedin AS T_(m) D1238-13 Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates ofThermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer, using Procedure A describedtherein. Briefly, the melt flow index measures the rate of extrusion ofthermoplastics through an orifice at a prescribed temperature and load.In the test method, approximately 7 grams of the material is loaded intothe barrel of the melt flow apparatus, which has been heated to atemperature specified for the material. A weight specified for thematerial is applied to a plunger and the molten material is forcedthrough the die. A timed extrudate is collected and weighed. Melt flowrate values are calculated in g/10 min.

Method to Determine the Cold Ross Flex.

The cold Ross flex test is determined according the following testmethod. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the resistance tocracking of a sample under repeated flexing to 60 degrees in a coldenvironment. A thermoformed plaque of the material for testing is sizedto fit inside the flex tester machine. Each material is tested as fiveseparate samples. The flex tester machine is capable of flexing samplesto 60 degrees at a rate of 100+/−5 cycles per minute. The mandreldiameter of the machine is 10 millimeters. Suitable machines for thistest are the Emerson AR-6, the Satra S T_(m) 141F, the Gotech GT-7006,and the Shin II Scientific SI-LTCO (DaeSung Scientific). The sample(s)are inserted into the machine according to the specific parameters ofthe flex machine used. The machine is placed in a freezer set to −6° C.for the test. The motor is turned on to begin flexing with the flexingcycles counted until the sample cracks. Cracking of the sample meansthat the surface of the material is physically split. Visible creases oflines that do not actually penetrate the surface are not cracks. Thesample is measured to a point where it has cracked but not yet broken intwo.

Method to Determine the Modulus (Plaque).

The modulus for a thermoformed plaque of material is determinedaccording to the test method detailed in AS T_(m) D412-98 Standard TestMethods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Rubbers andThermoplastic Elastomers-Tension, with the following modifications. Thesample dimension is the AS T_(m)D412-98 Die C, and the sample thicknessused is 2.0 millimeters+/−0.5 millimeters. The grip type used is apneumatic grip with a metal serrated grip face. The grip distance usedis 75 millimeters. The loading rate used is 500 millimeters/minute. Themodulus (initial) is calculated by taking the slope of the stress (MPa)versus the strain in the initial linear region.

Method to Determine the Modulus (Yarn).

The modulus for a yarn is determined according to the test methoddetailed in EN ISO 2062 (Textiles-Yarns from Packages)—Determination ofSingle-End Breaking Force and Elongation at Break Using Constant Rate ofExtension (CRE) Tester, with the following modifications. The samplelength used is 600 millimeters. The equipment used is an Instron andGotech Fixture. The grip distance used is 250 millimeters. Thepre-loading is set to 5 grams and the loading rate used is 250millimeters/minute. The first meter of yarn is thrown away to avoidusing damaged yarn. The modulus (initial) is calculated by taking theslope of the stress (MPa) versus the strain in the initial linearregion.

Method to Determine Tenacity and Elongation.

The tenacity and elongation of yarn can be determined according to thetest method detailed in EN ISO 2062 Determination of single end breakingforce and elongation at break using constant rate of extensiontesterwith the pre-load set to 5 grams.

Method to Determine Shrinkage.

The free-standing shrinkage of fibers and/or yarns can be determined bythe following method. A sample fiber or yarn is cut to a length ofapproximately 30 millimeters with minimal tension at approximately roomtemperature (e.g., 20° C.). The cut sample is placed in a 50° C. or 70°C. oven for 90 seconds. The sample is removed from the oven andmeasured. The percentage of shrink is calculated using the pre- andpost-oven measurements of the sample, by dividing the post-ovenmeasurement by the pre-oven measurement, and multiplying by 100.

Method to Determine Enthalpy of Melting. The enthalpy of melting isdetermined by the following method. A 5-10 mg sample of fibers or yarnis weighed to determine the sample mass, is placed into an aluminum DSCpan, and then the lid of the DSC pan is sealed using a crimper press.The DSC is configured to scan from −100° C. to 225° C. with a 20°C./minute heating rate, hold at 225° C. for 2 minutes, and then cooldown to room temperature (e.g., 25° C.) at a rate of −10° C./minute. Theenthalpy of melting is calculated by integrating the area of the meltingendotherm peak and normalizing by the sample mass.

Before proceeding to the Examples, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is not limited to particular aspects described, and as suchmay, of course, vary. Other systems, methods, features, and advantagesof foam compositions and components thereof will be or become apparentto one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawingsand detailed description. It is intended that all such additionalsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thisdescription, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and beprotected by the accompanying claims. It is also to be understood thatthe terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only, and is not intended to be limiting. The skilled artisanwill recognize many variants and adaptations of the aspects describedherein. These variants and adaptations are intended to be included inthe teachings of this disclosure and to be encompassed by the claimsherein.

Aspects

The following listing of exemplary aspects supports and is supported bythe disclosure provided herein.

Aspect 1. An article comprising: a first element selected from a firstshaped component, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a firsttextile, or any combination thereof; and/or a second element selectedfrom a second shaped component, a second film, a second textile, asecond yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the first element comprises alow processing temperature polymeric composition, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more firstthermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprises a highprocessing temperature composition, the high processing temperaturecomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers;wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits acreep relaxation temperature T_(cr) that is greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; and wherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) thefirst film, the first textile, the second shaped component, the secondfilm, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a firstprinted marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising embroidery on at least a portion thereon; and 3) thearticle comprises a dyed first element, a dyed second element, orcombinations thereof.

Aspect 2. An article comprising: a first element selected from a firstshaped component, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a firsttextile, or any combination thereof; and/or a second element selectedfrom a second shaped component, a second film, a second textile, asecond yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the first reflowed material is amelted and re-solidified product of a first element selected from afirst shaped component, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, afirst textile, or any combination thereof; wherein the first reflowedmaterial comprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition,the low processing temperature polymeric composition comprising one ormore first thermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprisesa high processing temperature composition, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more secondthermoplastic polymers; wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature T_(hd) thatis greater than a melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition; and wherein the article comprises oneor more of: 1) the first film, the first textile, the second shapedcomponent, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising a first printed marking on at least a portionthereof; 2) the first film, the first textile, the second film, or thesecond textile, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery on atleast a portion thereon; and 3) the article comprises a dyed firstelement, a dyed second element, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 3. An article comprising: a first element selected from a firstshaped component, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a firsttextile, or any combination thereof; and/or a second element selectedfrom a second shaped component, a second film, a second textile, asecond yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the first reflowed material is amelted and re-solidified product of a first element selected from afirst shaped component, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, afirst textile, or any combination thereof; wherein the first reflowedmaterial comprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition,the low processing temperature polymeric composition comprising one ormore first thermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprisesa high processing temperature composition, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more secondthermoplastic polymers; wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) thatis greater than a melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition; and wherein the article comprises oneor more of: 1) the first film, the first textile, the second shapedcomponent, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising a first printed marking on at least a portionthereof; 2) the first film, the first textile, the second film, or thesecond textile, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery on atleast a portion thereon; and 3) the article comprises a dyed firstelement, a dyed second element, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 4. An article comprising: a first element selected from a firstshaped component, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a firsttextile, or any combination thereof; and/or a second element selectedfrom a second shaped component, a second film, a second textile, asecond yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the first reflowed material is amelted and re-solidified product of a first element selected from afirst shaped component, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, afirst textile, or any combination thereof; wherein the first reflowedmaterial comprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition,the low processing temperature polymeric composition comprising one ormore first thermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprisesa high processing temperature composition, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more secondthermoplastic polymers; wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits at least one of: 1) a creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr); 2) a heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) aVicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is greater than the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; and wherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) thefirst film, the first textile, the second shaped component, the secondfilm, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a firstprinted marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising embroidery on at least a portion thereon; and 3) thearticle comprises a dyed first element, a dyed second element, orcombinations thereof.

Aspect 5. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect 4,wherein the article comprises the first film, the first textile, thesecond shaped component, the second film, or the second textile, orcombinations thereof, comprising a first printed marking on at least aportion thereof; and wherein the first printed marking is a first screenprinted marking, a first pad printed marking, a first ink jet printedmarking, a first 3D printed marking, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 6. The article according to any claim Aspect 5, wherein thearticle comprises the first film, the first textile, the second film, orthe second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery on atleast a portion thereon; and wherein the embroidery comprises a thirdyarn independently comprising a low processing temperature polymericcomposition, the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more third thermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 7. The article according to any one of claim Aspect 5 and claimAspect 6, wherein the article comprises the first film, the firsttextile, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising embroidery on at least a portion thereon; whereinthe embroidery comprises a fourth yarn independently comprising a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more fourththermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 8. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 5-Aspect 7,wherein the article comprises the first film, the first textile, thesecond film, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprisingembroidery on at least a portion thereon; and wherein the embroiderycomprises both a third yarn and a fourth yarn.

Aspect 9. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect 8,wherein the dyed first element, the dyed second element, or acombination thereof comprise a dye; and wherein the dyed first element,the dyed second element, or a combination thereof are immersion dyed,sublimation dyed, or combinations of thereof.

Aspect 10. The article according to any claim Aspect 9, wherein the dyedfirst element comprises a first yarn essentially free of dye.

Aspect 11. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 9 andAspect 10 wherein the dyed second element comprises a package dyed yarn.

Aspect 12. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 9-Aspect11, wherein the dyed second element comprises a solution dyed yarn.

Aspect 13. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 9-Aspect12, wherein at least a portion the high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprises a dye.

Aspect 14. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 9-Aspect13, wherein the dye is an anionic acid dye.

Aspect 15. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 9-Aspect13, wherein the dye is a disperse dye.

Aspect 16. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect15, wherein the article is an article of footwear or a component of anarticle of footwear, an article of apparel or a component of an articleof apparel, or is an article of sporting equipment or a component of anarticle of sporting equipment.

Aspect 17. The article according to claim Aspect 16, wherein the articleis an article of sporting equipment or a component of an article ofsporting equipment.

Aspect 18. The article according to claim Aspect 17, wherein the articleis a component of an article of sporting equipment selected from thegroup including a component of a hat, a component of a bag, a componentof a ball, and a component of protective equipment.

Aspect 19. The article according to claim Aspect 16, wherein the articleis an article of apparel or a component of an article of apparel.

Aspect 20. The article according to claim Aspect 19, wherein the articleis an article of footwear or a component of an article of footwear.

Aspect 21. The article according to claim Aspect 20, wherein the articleis an upper for an article of footwear.

Aspect 22. The article according to claim Aspect 21, wherein the upperincludes an outsole area.

Aspect 23. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 21-Aspect22, wherein the article comprises a ground-facing area, wherein at leasta portion of the first reflowed material is present on the ground-facingarea of the upper.

Aspect 24. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 21-Aspect23, wherein the at least a portion of the first reflowed material is onat least about 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the ground-facingarea.

Aspect 25. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 21-Aspect24, wherein at least a portion of the first reflowed material is presenton: a ground-facing area of the upper; a toe-box area of the upper;and/or a heel area of the upper.

Aspect 26. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 21-Aspect25, wherein the upper wraps around at least a portion of the last andcovers a bottom portion of the last when the upper is present on a last.

Aspect 27. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 21-Aspect26, wherein at least a portion of a ground-facing area of the uppercovers the bottom portion of the last when the upper is present on alast.

Aspect 28. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 21-Aspect27, wherein the at least the portion of the ground-facing area includesat least a portion of the first reflowed material.

Aspect 29. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect28, wherein the article comprises an outward most layer that includes atleast a portion of the first reflowed material; wherein the outward mostlayer comprises a first area and a second area, wherein the first areacomprises an increased concentration of the first reflowed materialcompared to the second area.

Aspect 30. The article according to claim Aspect 29, wherein the articleis an upper for an article of footwear; and wherein the first areacomprises a ground-facing area, a sole perimeter area, a heel area,and/or a toe-box area.

Aspect 31. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 29-Aspect30, wherein the article is an upper for an article of footwear; andwherein the second area comprises a forefoot opening area and/or anankle collar area.

Aspect 32. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect31, wherein the article comprises an area configured to beground-facing; and wherein the area configured to be ground-facingcomprises a printed area on an exterior surface.

Aspect 33. The article according to claim Aspect 32, wherein the printedarea has a printed topography having a maximum height of at least about0.25 mm.

Aspect 34. The article according to claim Aspect 32, wherein the printedarea has a printed topography having a minimum height of about 0.5 mm.

Aspect 35. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect34, wherein the outward most layer comprises a transition areapositioned between the first and second areas, wherein the transitionarea includes a decreased concentration of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition compared to the first area.

Aspect 36. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect35, wherein the transition area comprises an increased concentration ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition compared to thesecond area.

Aspect 37. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect36, wherein the article further comprises an outer surface having atleast a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone, the second zonepositioned between the first and third zones, wherein the first zonecomprises an increased concentration of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition compared to the second zone, and wherein the thirdzone comprises an increased concentration of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition compared to the second zone.

Aspect 38. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect37, wherein the high processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr) that is greater than amelting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition.

Aspect 39. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect38, wherein the high processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits a heat deflection temperature T_(hd) that is greater than amelting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition.

Aspect 40. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect39, wherein the high processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is greater than amelting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition.

Aspect 41. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect40, the first reflowed material is impermeable to water.

Aspect 42. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect41, wherein the low processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits: a melting temperature T_(m) is less than about 135° C.

Aspect 43. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect41, wherein the low processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits: a melting temperature T_(m) is less than about 120° C.

Aspect 44. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect43, wherein the high processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits a melting temperature T_(m) of greater than 140° C.

Aspect 45. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect43, wherein the high processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits a melting temperature T_(m) that is at least 10° C. greaterthan a melting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition.

Aspect 46. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect44, wherein the low processing temperature polymeric composition of thefirst reflowed material exhibits a glass transition temperature Tg ofabout 50° C. or less.

Aspect 47. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect46, wherein the low processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits a melt flow index of about 0.1 g/10 min to about 60 g/10 min at160° C. using a test weight of 2.16 kg.

Aspect 48. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect47, wherein the low processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits an enthalpy of melting of at least about 5 J/g.

Aspect 49. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect48, wherein the low processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits a modulus or stiffness of about 1 MPa to about 500 MPa.

Aspect 50. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect49, wherein the low processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits a cold Ross flex (flexibility at cold temperature) of about5000 cycles or more.

Aspect 51. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect50, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprises oneor more polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanes and polyolefins.

Aspect 52. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect51, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprises oneor more polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 53. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect52, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers can include oneor more polyesters.

Aspect 54. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect53, wherein the one or more polyesters can include polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

Aspect 55. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect54, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprises oneor more polyamides.

Aspect 56. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect55, wherein the one or more polyamides comprises nylon 6,6, nylon 6,nylon 12, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 57. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect56, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprises oneor more polyurethanes.

Aspect 58. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect57, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore copolymers.

Aspect 59. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect58, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore copolymers selected from the group consisting of co-polyesters,co-polyethers, co-polyamides, co-polyurethanes, and combinationsthereof.

Aspect 60. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect59, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyesters.

Aspect 61. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect60, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyethers.

Aspect 62. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect61, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyamides.

Aspect 63. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect62, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyurethanes.

Aspect 64. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect63, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore polyether block amide (PEBA) co-polymers.

Aspect 65. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect64, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise oneor more polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanes and polyolefins.

Aspect 66. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect65, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise oneor more polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyethers, polyamides, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 67. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect66, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise oneor more polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyamides, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 68. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect67, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers can includeone or more polyesters.

Aspect 69. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect68, wherein the one or more polyesters can include polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

Aspect 70. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect69, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprises oneor more polyamides.

Aspect 71. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect70, wherein the one or more polyamides comprises nylon 6,6, nylon 6,nylon 12, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 72. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect71, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprises oneor more polyurethanes.

Aspect 73. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect72, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise oneor more copolymers.

Aspect 74. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect73, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise oneor more copolymers selected from the group consisting of co-polyesters,co-polyethers, co-polyamides, co-polyurethanes, and combinationsthereof.

Aspect 75. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect74, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyesters.

Aspect 76. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect75, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyethers.

Aspect 77. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect76, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyamides.

Aspect 78. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect77, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyurethanes.

Aspect 79. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect78, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise oneor more polyether block amide (PEBA) co-polymers.

Aspect 80. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect79, wherein the first reflowed material comprises one or morepolyurethanes.

Aspect 81. The article according to claim Aspect 80, wherein the one ormore polyurethanes comprise at least one polyurethane elastomer.

Aspect 82. The article according to claim Aspect 80, wherein the one ormore polyurethanes comprise at least one thermoplastic polyurethane.

Aspect 83. The article according to claim Aspect 80, wherein the one ormore polyurethanes comprise at least one polyurethane-polyester, atleast one polyether-polyurethane, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 84. The article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect83, wherein the article further comprises a sublimation ink on an outersurface of the article.

Aspect 85. An article comprising: a first reflowed material; and asecond element selected from a second shaped component, a second film, asecond textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the firstreflowed material is a melted and re-solidified product of a firstelement selected from a first shaped component, a first film, a firstyarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers; wherein the second element comprises a high processingtemperature composition, the high processing temperature compositioncomprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers; and wherein thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits a creeprelaxation temperature T_(cr) that is greater than a melting temperatureT_(m) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition; andwherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) the first film, thefirst textile, the second shaped component, the second film, or thesecond textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a first printedmarking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, the firsttextile, the second film, the second textile, the first reflowedmaterial, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery on at least aportion thereon; 3) the article comprises a dyed first element, a dyedsecond element, or a combination thereof; and 4) a first reflowedmaterial comprising a second printed marking on at least a portionthereof.

Aspect 86. An article comprising: a first reflowed material; and asecond element selected from a second shaped component, a second film, asecond textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the firstreflowed material is a melted and re-solidified product of a firstelement selected from a first shaped component, a first film, a firstyarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers; wherein the second element comprises a high processingtemperature composition, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers; andwherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits aheat deflection temperature T_(hd) that is greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; and wherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) thefirst film, the first textile, the second shaped component, the secondfilm, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a firstprinted marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, the second textile, the first reflowedmaterial, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery on at least aportion thereon; 3) the article comprises a dyed first element, a dyedsecond element, or a combination thereof; and 4) a first reflowedmaterial comprising a second printed marking on at least a portionthereof.

Aspect 87. An article comprising: a first reflowed material; and asecond element selected from a second shaped component, a second film, asecond textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the firstreflowed material is a melted and re-solidified product of a firstelement selected from a first shaped component, a first film, a firstyarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers; wherein the second element comprises a high processingtemperature composition, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers; andwherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits aVicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; and wherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) thefirst film, the first textile, the second shaped component, the secondfilm, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a firstprinted marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, the second textile, the first reflowedmaterial, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery on at least aportion thereon; 3) the article comprises a dyed first element, a dyedsecond element, or a combination thereof; and 4) a first reflowedmaterial comprising a second printed marking on at least a portionthereof.

Aspect 88. An article comprising: a first reflowed material; and asecond element selected from a second shaped component, a second film, asecond textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the firstreflowed material is a melted and re-solidified product of a firstelement selected from a first shaped component, a first film, a firstyarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers; wherein the second element comprises a high processingtemperature composition, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers; andwherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibitsat least one of: 1) a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr); 2) a heatdeflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) a Vicat softening temperatureT_(vs) that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition the melting temperatureT_(m) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition; andwherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) the first film, thefirst textile, the second shaped component, the second film, or thesecond textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a first printedmarking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, the firsttextile, the second film, the second textile, the first reflowedmaterial, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery on at least aportion thereon; 3) the article comprises a dyed first element, a dyedsecond element, or a combination thereof; and 4) a first reflowedmaterial comprising a second printed marking on at least a portionthereof.

Aspect 89. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 88,wherein the first printed marking is a screen printed marking, a padprinted marking, an ink jet printed marking, a 3D printed marking, orany combination thereof.

Aspect 90. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect, whereinthe second marked printed marking is a screen printed marking, a padprinted marking, an ink jet printed marking, a 3D printed marking, orany combination thereof.

Aspect 91. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect, whereinthe second printed marking is on an exterior surface of the firstreflowed material.

Aspect 92. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 91,wherein the first printed marking and the second printed marking areeach independently a printed marking, a printed image, a printed design,a printed logo, a printed decoration, a printed ornamentation, or anycombination thereof.

Aspect 93. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 92,wherein the embroidery comprises a third yarn independently comprising alow processing temperature polymeric composition, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more thirdthermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 94. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 93,wherein the embroidery comprises a fourth yarn independently comprisinga high processing temperature polymeric composition, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more fourththermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 95. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 94,wherein the embroidery comprises a third yarn independently comprising alow processing temperature polymeric composition, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more thirdthermoplastic polymers; and wherein the embroidery comprises a fourthyarn independently comprising a high processing temperature polymericcomposition, the high processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more fourth thermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 96. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 95,wherein the dyed first element, the dyed second element, or acombination thereof comprise a dye; and wherein the dyed first element,the dyed second element, or a combination thereof are immersion dyed,sublimation dyed, or combinations of thereof.

Aspect 97. The article according to any Aspect 96, wherein the dyedfirst element comprises a first yarn essentially free of dye.

Aspect 98. The article according to any one of Aspect 96 and Aspect 97wherein the dyed second element comprises a package dyed yarn.

Aspect 99. The article according to any one of Aspect 96-Aspect 98,wherein the dyed second element comprises a solution dyed yarn.

Aspect 100. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 99,wherein at least a portion the high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprises a dye.

Aspect 101. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 100,wherein at least a portion of the first reflowed material comprises adye.

Aspect 102. The article according to any one of Aspect 96-Aspect 101,wherein the dye is an anionic acid dye.

Aspect 103. The article according to any one of Aspect 96-Aspect 101,wherein the dye is a disperse dye.

Aspect 104. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 103,wherein the article is an article of footwear or a component of anarticle of footwear, an article of apparel or a component of an articleof apparel, or is an article of sporting equipment or a component of anarticle of sporting equipment.

Aspect 105. The article according to Aspect 104, wherein the article isan article of sporting equipment or a component of an article ofsporting equipment.

Aspect 106. The article according to Aspect 105, wherein the article isa component of an article of sporting equipment selected from the groupincluding a component of a hat, a component of a bag, a component of aball, and a component of protective equipment.

Aspect 107. The article according to Aspect 104, wherein the article isan article of apparel or a component of an article of apparel.

Aspect 108. The article according to Aspect 107, wherein the article isan article of footwear or a component of an article of footwear.

Aspect 109. The article according to Aspect 108, wherein the article isan upper for an article of footwear.

Aspect 110. The article according to Aspect 109, wherein the upperincludes an outsole area.

Aspect 111. The article according to any one of Aspect 109-Aspect 110,wherein the article comprises a ground-facing area, wherein at least aportion of the first reflowed material is present on the ground-facingarea of the upper.

Aspect 112. The article according to any one of Aspect 109-Aspect 111,wherein the at least a portion of the first reflowed material is on atleast about 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the ground-facing area.

Aspect 113. The article according to any one of Aspect 109-Aspect 112,wherein at least a portion of the first reflowed material is present on:a ground-facing area of the upper; a toe-box area of the upper; and/or aheel area of the upper.

Aspect 114. The article according to any one of Aspect 109-Aspect 113,wherein the upper wraps around at least a portion of the last and coversa bottom portion of the last when the upper is present on a last.

Aspect 115. The article according to any one of Aspect 109-Aspect 114,wherein at least a portion of a ground-facing area of the upper coversthe bottom portion of the last when the upper is present on a last.

Aspect 116. The article according to any one of Aspect 109-Aspect 115,wherein the at least the portion of the ground-facing area includes atleast a portion of the first reflowed material.

Aspect 117. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 116,wherein the article comprises an outward most layer that includes atleast a portion of the first reflowed material; wherein the outward mostlayer comprises a first area and a second area, wherein the first areacomprises an increased concentration of the first reflowed materialcompared to the second area.

Aspect 118. The article according to Aspect 117, wherein the article isan upper for an article of footwear; and wherein the first areacomprises a ground-facing area, a sole perimeter area, a heel area,and/or a toe-box area.

Aspect 119. The article according to any one of Aspect 117 and Aspect118, wherein the article is an upper for an article of footwear; andwherein the second area comprises a forefoot opening area and/or anankle collar area.

Aspect 120. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 119,wherein the article comprises an area configured to be ground-facing;and wherein the area configured to be ground-facing comprises a printedarea on an exterior surface.

Aspect 121. The article according to Aspect 120, wherein the printedarea has a printed topography having a maximum height of at least about0.25 mm.

Aspect 122. The article according to Aspect 120, wherein the printedarea has a printed topography having a minimum height of about 0.5 mm.

Aspect 123. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 122,wherein the outward most layer comprises a transition area positionedbetween the first and second areas, wherein the transition area includesa decreased concentration of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition compared to the first area.

Aspect 124. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 123,wherein the transition area comprises an increased concentration of thelow processing temperature polymeric composition compared to the secondarea.

Aspect 125. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 124,wherein the article further comprises an outer surface having at least afirst zone, a second zone, and a third zone, the second zone positionedbetween the first and third zones, wherein the first zone comprises anincreased concentration of the high processing temperature polymericcomposition compared to the second zone, and wherein the third zonecomprises an increased concentration of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition compared to the second zone.

Aspect 126. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 125,wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits acreep relaxation temperature T_(cr) that is greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition.

Aspect 127. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 126,wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits aheat deflection temperature T_(hd) that is greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition.

Aspect 128. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 127,wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits aVicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition.

Aspect 129. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 128,the first reflowed material is impermeable to water.

Aspect 130. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 129,wherein the low processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits: amelting temperature T_(m) is less than about 135° C.

Aspect 131. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 129,wherein the low processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits: amelting temperature T_(m) is less than about 120° C.

Aspect 132. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 131,wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits amelting temperature T_(m) of greater than 140° C.

Aspect 133. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 131,wherein the high processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits amelting temperature T_(m) that is at least 10° C. greater than a meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition.

Aspect 134. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 132,wherein the low processing temperature polymeric composition of thefirst reflowed material exhibits a glass transition temperature Tg ofabout 50° C. or less.

Aspect 135. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 134,wherein the low processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits amelt flow index of about 0.1 g/10 min to about 60 g/10 min at 160° C.using a test weight of 2.16 kg.

Aspect 136. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 135,wherein the low processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits anenthalpy of melting of at least about 5 J/g.

Aspect 137. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 136,wherein the low processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits amodulus or stiffness of about 1 MPa to about 500 MPa.

Aspect 138. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 137,wherein the low processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits acold Ross flex (flexibility at cold temperature) of about 5000 cycles ormore.

Aspect 139. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 138,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprises one ormore polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanes and polyolefins.

Aspect 140. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 139,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprises one ormore polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 141. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 140,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers can include one ormore polyesters.

Aspect 142. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 141,wherein the one or more polyesters can include polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

Aspect 143. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 142,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprises one ormore polyamides.

Aspect 144. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 143,wherein the one or more polyamides comprises nylon 6,6, nylon 6, nylon12, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 145. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 144,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprises one ormore polyurethanes.

Aspect 146. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 145,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore copolymers.

Aspect 147. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 146,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore copolymers selected from the group consisting of co-polyesters,co-polyethers, co-polyamides, co-polyurethanes, and combinationsthereof.

Aspect 148. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 147,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyesters.

Aspect 149. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 148,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyethers.

Aspect 150. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 149,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyamides.

Aspect 151. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 150,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyurethanes.

Aspect 152. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 151,wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore polyether block amide (PEBA) co-polymers.

Aspect 153. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 152,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanes and polyolefins.

Aspect 154. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 153,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyethers, polyamides, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 155. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 154,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters,polyamides, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 156. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 155,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers can include one ormore polyesters.

Aspect 157. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 156,wherein the one or more polyesters can include polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).

Aspect 158. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 157,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprises one ormore polyamides.

Aspect 159. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 158,wherein the one or more polyamides comprises nylon 6,6, nylon 6, nylon12, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 160. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 159,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprises one ormore polyurethanes.

Aspect 161. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 160,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore copolymers.

Aspect 162. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 161,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore copolymers selected from the group consisting of co-polyesters,co-polyethers, co-polyamides, co-polyurethanes, and combinationsthereof.

Aspect 163. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 162,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyesters.

Aspect 164. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 163,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyethers.

Aspect 165. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 164,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyamides.

Aspect 166. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 165,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers compriseco-polyurethanes.

Aspect 167. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 166,wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers comprise one ormore polyether block amide (PEBA) co-polymers.

Aspect 168. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 167,wherein the first reflowed material comprises one or more polyurethanes.

Aspect 169. The article according to Aspect 168, wherein the one or morepolyurethanes comprise at least one polyurethane elastomer.

Aspect 170. The article according to Aspect 168, wherein the one or morepolyurethanes comprise at least one thermoplastic polyurethane.

Aspect 171. The article according to Aspect 168, wherein the one or morepolyurethanes comprise at least one polyurethane-polyester, at least onepolyether-polyurethane, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 172. The article according to any one of Aspect 85-Aspect 171,wherein the article further comprises a sublimation ink on an outersurface of the article.

Aspect 173. A process for manufacturing an article comprising: providingthe article according to any one of claims Aspect 1-Aspect 172; andcombining the knit article with one or more additional materials to forman article of footwear, apparel or sporting equipment.

Aspect 174. The process for manufacturing according to claim Aspect 173,wherein the article is an article of footwear, and the one or moreadditional materials comprise a heel counter, a sockliner, a strobel, atoe cap, a plate, and a chassis.

Aspect 175. A process for manufacturing an article, the processcomprising: receiving a first element selected from a first shapedcomponent, a first film, a first textile, a first yarn, and a firstfiber; and/or receiving a second element selected from a second shapedcomponent, a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or a secondfiber; wherein the first element comprises a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more first thermoplastic polymers, whereinthe second element comprises a high processing temperature polymericcomposition, the high processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers, and wherein thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits at least oneof: 1) a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr); 2) a heat deflectiontemperature T_(hd); or 3) a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) that isgreater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition; placing at least a portion of thefirst element and at least a portion of the second element on a moldingsurface; while the at least a portion of the first element and the atleast a portion of the second element is on the molding surface,increasing a temperature of the entire article to a temperature that isabove the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition and below at least one of: 1) the creep relaxationtemperature T_(c)r; 2) the heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) theVicat softening temperature T_(vs) of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition; and subsequent to the increasing the temperatureof the entire article, while the at least a portion of the articleremains on the molding surface, decreasing the temperature of the entirearticle to a temperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition; thereby forming an articlecomprising a first reflowed material; wherein the first reflowedmaterial is a melted and re-solidified product of the first elementselected from the first shaped component, the first film, the firstyarn, the first fiber, the first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers.

Aspect 176. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 175, wherein the first film, the first textile, the second shapedcomponent, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, further comprise a printed marking on at least a portionthereof.

Aspect 177. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 176, wherein the printed marking is ascreen printed marking, a pad printed marking, an ink jet printedmarking, a 3D printed marking, or any combination thereof

Aspect 178. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 177, wherein the first film, the firsttextile, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, further comprise embroidery on at least a portion thereon.

Aspect 179. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 178, wherein the embroidery comprises a third yarn independentlycomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morethird thermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 180. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 178, wherein the embroidery comprises a fourth yarn independentlycomprising a high processing temperature polymeric composition, the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morefourth thermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 181. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 178, wherein the embroidery comprises a third yarn independentlycomprising a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morethird thermoplastic polymers; and wherein the embroidery comprises afourth yarn independently comprising a high processing temperaturepolymeric composition, the high processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more fourth thermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 182. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 181, wherein the first element is a dyedfirst element, wherein the second element is a dyed second element, orcombinations thereof.

Aspect 183. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 182, wherein the dyed first element, the dyed second element, orthe combination thereof, is immersion dyed, sublimation dyed, orcombinations of thereof.

Aspect 184. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone claims Aspect 182 and Aspect 183, wherein dyed first elementincludes a first yarn essentially free of dye.

Aspect 185. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 182-Aspect 184, wherein the dyed second elementincludes a package dyed yarn.

Aspect 186. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 182-Aspect 185, wherein the dyed second elementincludes a solution dyed yarn.

Aspect 187. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 186, wherein the first reflowed materialcomprises at least one of: 1) a printed marking on at least a portionthereof; and 2) embroidery on at least a portion thereon.

Aspect 188. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 187, wherein the first reflowed material comprises essentiallyall of the first shaped component, the first film, the first yarn, thefirst fiber, the first textile, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 189. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 187 and Aspect 188, wherein the printed marking isa screen printed marking, a pad printed marking, an ink jet printedmarking, a 3D printed marking, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 190. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 187-Aspect 189, wherein the embroidery on at leasta portion thereon comprises a fifth yarn independently comprising a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more fifththermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 191. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 187-Aspect 190, wherein the embroidery on at leasta portion thereon comprises a sixth yarn independently comprising a highprocessing temperature polymeric composition, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more sixththermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 192. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 187-Aspect 191, wherein the embroidery comprisesboth a third yarn and a fourth yarn.

Aspect 193. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 192, wherein the first element is acomponent of the second element.

Aspect 194. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 193, wherein the printed marking is ascreen printed marking, a pad printed marking, an ink jet printedmarking, a 3D printed marking, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 195. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 194, wherein the article is an articleof footwear or a component of an article of footwear, an article ofapparel or a component of an article of apparel, or is an article ofsporting equipment or a component of an article of sporting equipment.

Aspect 196. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 195, wherein the article is an article of sporting equipment or acomponent of an article of sporting equipment.

Aspect 197. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 195, wherein the article is a component of an article of sportingequipment selected from the group including a component of a hat, acomponent of a bag, a component of a ball, and a component of protectiveequipment.

Aspect 198. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 195, wherein the article is an article of apparel or a componentof an article of apparel.

Aspect 199. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 195, wherein the article is an article of footwear or a componentof an article of footwear.

Aspect 200. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 199, wherein the article is an upper for an article of footwear.

Aspect 201. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 200, wherein the upper includes an outsole area.

Aspect 202. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 201, wherein the article comprises a ground-facing area; andwherein at least a portion of the first yarn is present on theground-facing area of the knit upper.

Aspect 203. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 201 and Aspect 202, wherein the at least a portionof the first element comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition is on at least about 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of theground-facing area.

Aspect 204. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 201-Aspect 203, wherein at least a portion of thefirst element comprising the low processing temperature polymericcomposition is present on: a ground-facing area of the knit upper; atoe-box area of the knit upper; and/or a heel area of the knit upper.

Aspect 205. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 201-Aspect 204, wherein the upper wraps around atleast a portion of the last and covers a bottom portion of the last whenthe upper is present on a last.

Aspect 206. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 201-Aspect 205, wherein at least a portion of aground-facing area of the upper covers the bottom portion of the lastwhen the upper is present on a last.

Aspect 207. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 201-Aspect 206, wherein the at least the portion ofthe ground-facing area includes at least a portion of the first elementcomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition.

Aspect 208. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 207, wherein the article comprises anoutward most layer that includes at least a portion of the first elementcomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition, theoutward most layer comprising a first area and a second area, whereinthe first area comprises an increased concentration of the elementcomprising the low processing temperature polymeric composition comparedto the second area.

Aspect 209. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 208, wherein the first area comprises a ground-facing outsolearea, a sole perimeter area, a heel area, and/or a toe-box area.

Aspect 210. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 208 and Aspect 209, wherein the second areacomprises a forefoot opening area and/or an ankle collar area.

Aspect 211. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 208-Aspect 210, wherein the outward most layerfurther comprises a transition area positioned between the first andsecond areas, wherein the transition area includes a decreasedconcentration of the first shaped component, the first film, the firsttextile, the first yarn, or the first fiber comprising the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition compared to the first area.

Aspect 212. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 208-Aspect 211, wherein the transition areacomprises an increased concentration of the first element comprising thelow processing temperature polymeric composition compared to the secondarea.

Aspect 213. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 200, wherein the upper comprises a ground-facing outsole area

Aspect 214. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 213, wherein at least a portion of the first element is presenton the ground-facing outsole area.

Aspect 215. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 213, wherein at least a portion of the second element is presenton the ground-facing outsole area.

Aspect 216. The process for manufacturing an article according claimAspect 213, wherein the upper, when the upper is present on the last,the upper wraps around at least a portion of the last and covers abottom portion of the last.

Aspect 217. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 213-Aspect 216, wherein at least a portion of aground-facing outsole area of the upper covers the bottom portion of thelast.

Aspect 218. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 213-Aspect 217, wherein the at least the portion ofthe ground-facing outsole area includes at least a portion of the firstelement.

Aspect 219. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 213-Aspect 218, wherein the upper comprises anoutward most layer that includes at least a portion of the element, theoutward most layer comprising a first area and a second area, whereinthe first area comprises an increased concentration of the first elementcompared to the second area.

Aspect 220. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 213-Aspect 219, wherein the second area comprises aforefoot opening area and/or an ankle collar area.

Aspect 221. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 213-Aspect 220, wherein the outward most layerfurther comprises a transition area positioned between the first andsecond areas, wherein the transition area includes a decreasedconcentration of the first shaped component, the element compared to thefirst area.

Aspect 222. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 213-Aspect 221, wherein the transition areacomprises an increased concentration of the first shaped component, thefirst element compared to the second area.

Aspect 223. The process for manufacturing an article according any oneof claims Aspect 175-Aspect 222, wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr)that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition.

Aspect 224. The process for manufacturing an article according any oneof claims Aspect 175-Aspect 222, wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits a heat deflection temperature T_(hd) thatis greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition.

Aspect 225. The process for manufacturing an article according any oneof claims Aspect 175-Aspect 222, wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) thatis greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition.

Aspect 226. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 225, wherein the melting temperatureT_(m) of the low processing temperature polymeric composition is lessthan 135° C.

Aspect 227. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 225, wherein the low processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits a melting temperature of lessthan 120° C.

Aspect 228. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 227, wherein the low processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits a glass transitiontemperature Tg of about 50° C. or less.

Aspect 229. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 228, wherein the low processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits a melt flow index of about0.1 g/10 min to about 60 g/10 min at 160° C. using a test weight of 2.16kg.

Aspect 230. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 229, wherein the low processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits an enthalpy of melting of atleast about 5 J/g.

Aspect 231. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 230, wherein the high processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits a melting temperature T_(m)of greater than 140° C.

Aspect 232. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 231, wherein the high processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits a melting temperature T_(m)that is at least 10° C. greater than a melting temperature T_(m) of thelow processing temperature polymeric composition.

Aspect 233. The process of manufacturing an article according to any oneof claims Aspect 175-Aspect 230, wherein, when the first element isexposed to a temperature above the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition for at least one minute andthen exposed to a temperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of thelow processing temperature polymeric composition for at least oneminute, thereby forming a thermoformed material, the thermoformedmaterial exhibits: a modulus or stiffness of about 1 MPa to about 500MPa.

Aspect 234. The process of manufacturing an article according to any oneof claims Aspect 175-Aspect 230, wherein, when the first element isexposed to a temperature above the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition for at least one minute andthen exposed to a temperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of thelow processing temperature polymeric composition for at least oneminute, thereby forming a thermoformed material, the thermoformedmaterial exhibits: a cold Ross flex (flexibility at cold temperature) ofabout 5000 cycles or more.

Aspect 235. The process of manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 234, wherein the thermoformed material exhibits: a cold Ross flex(flexibility at cold temperature) from about 5,000 cycles to about500,000 cycles.

Aspect 236. The process of manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 234, wherein the thermoformed material exhibits: a cold Ross flex(flexibility at cold temperature of about 150,000 cycles.

Aspect 237. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 236, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprises one or more polymers selected from thegroup consisting of polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanesand polyolefins.

Aspect 238. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 236, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprises one or more polymers selected from thegroup consisting of polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanes,and combinations thereof.

Aspect 239. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 238, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers can include one or more polyesters.

Aspect 240. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 239, wherein the one or more polyesterscan include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Aspect 241. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 240, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprises one or more polyamides.

Aspect 242. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 241, wherein the one or more polyamidescomprises nylon 6,6, nylon 6, nylon 12, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 243. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 242, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprises one or more polyurethanes.

Aspect 244. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 243, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more copolymers.

Aspect 245. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 244, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more copolymers selected from thegroup consisting of co-polyesters, co-polyethers, co-polyamides,co-polyurethanes, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 246. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 245, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprise co-polyesters.

Aspect 247. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 246, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprise co-polyethers.

Aspect 248. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 247, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprise co-polyamides.

Aspect 249. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 248, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprise co-polyurethanes.

Aspect 250. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 249, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more polyether block amide (PEBA)co-polymers.

Aspect 251. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 250, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more polymers selected from thegroup consisting of polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, polyurethanesand polyolefins.

Aspect 252. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 251, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more polymers selected from thegroup consisting of polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, and combinationsthereof.

Aspect 253. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 252, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more polymers selected from thegroup consisting of polyesters, polyamides, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 254. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 253, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers can include one or more polyesters.

Aspect 255. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 254, wherein the one or more polyesterscan include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Aspect 256. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 255, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprises one or more polyamides.

Aspect 257. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 256, wherein the one or more polyamidescomprises nylon 6,6, nylon 6, nylon 12, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 258. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 257, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprises one or more polyurethanes.

Aspect 259. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 258, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more copolymers.

Aspect 260. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 259, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more copolymers selected from thegroup consisting of co-polyesters, co-polyethers, co-polyamides,co-polyurethanes, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 261. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 260, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise co-polyesters.

Aspect 262. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 261, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise co-polyethers.

Aspect 263. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 262, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise co-polyamides.

Aspect 264. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 263, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise co-polyurethanes.

Aspect 265. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 264, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more polyether block amide (PEBA)co-polymers.

Aspect 266. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 265, wherein the molding surface is alast.

Aspect 267. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 266, wherein the molding surface is notadapted to permit gas circulation through at least a portion of themolding surface.

Aspect 268. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 267, wherein the article comprises anarticle outer inner surface and an article outer surface; wherein themolding surface comprises an inner molding surface and an outer surface;and wherein the at least a portion of the article on the molding surfacehas an article inner surface in contact with the molding outer surface.

Aspect 269. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 268, further comprising placing a protective sheath in contactwith the at least a portion of the article on the molding surface;wherein at least a portion of the protective sheath is contact with thearticle outer surface.

Aspect 270. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 268, further comprising placing a vacuum bag in contact with theat least a portion of the article on the inner molding surface; whereinat least a portion of the vacuum bag is contact with the article outersurface opposed to the at least a portion of the article on the innermolding surface.

Aspect 271. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 268, further comprising placing a protective sheath in contactwith the at least a portion of the article on the molding surface;wherein at least a portion of the protective sheath is contact with thearticle outer surface; and further comprising placing at least a portionof a vacuum bag in contact with the protective sheath in contact withthe at least a portion of the article outer surface.

Aspect 272. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 269 and Aspect 271, wherein the protective sheathfurther comprises a protective sheaf raised surface in contact the atleast a portion of the textile on the molding surface; wherein theprotective sheaf raised surface comprises a pattern.

Aspect 273. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 269 and Aspect 271-Aspect 272, wherein theprotective sheath is formed from a polymeric material.

Aspect 274. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 273, wherein the polymeric material is formed of a siliconeelastomer.

Aspect 275. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 273, wherein the polymeric material comprises silicon moieties.

Aspect 276. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 270 and Aspect 271, wherein the bag is formed froma polymeric material.

Aspect 277. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 276, wherein the bag is formed of a silicone elastomer.

Aspect 278. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 276, wherein the polymeric material comprises silicon moieties.

Aspect 279. The process for manufacturing a knit article according toany one of claims Aspect 269-Aspect 278, wherein the protective sheathis formed of a silicone elastomer, and the increasing the temperature ofthe entire knit textile is increasing the temperature of the entire knittextile to a temperature below the melting temperature or degradationtemperature of the silicone elastomer.

Aspect 280. The process for manufacturing a knit article according toany one of claims Aspect 269-Aspect 279, wherein the increasing thetemperature further comprises applying a compressive force to theprotective sheath in contact with the at least a portion of the knittextile in contact with the at least a portion of the knit textile outersurface on the molding surface, the bag in contact with the at least aportion of the knit textile on the molding surface, or the bag incontact with the at least a portion of the protective sheath in contactwith the at least a portion of the knit textile outer surface.

Aspect 281. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 280, wherein the compressive force provides a pressuredifferential between the inner molding surface and the outer moldingsurface.

Aspect 282. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 281, wherein the pressure differential is a positive pressuredifferential.

Aspect 283. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 281, wherein the pressure differential is a negative pressuredifferential.

Aspect 284. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 283, wherein first element includes afirst yarn essentially free of dye.

Aspect 285. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 284, wherein the second element includesa package dyed yarn.

Aspect 286. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 285, wherein the second element includesa solution dyed yarn.

Aspect 287. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 286, further comprising printing aprinted marking on the first shaped component, the first film, the firsttextile, the second shaped component, the second film, the secondtextile, the first reflowed material, the article, or combinationsthereof.

Aspect 288. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 287, wherein the printing is printing a first printed marking ison the first shaped component, the first film, the first textile, thesecond shaped component, the second film, the second textile, thearticle; and wherein the printing a first printed marking is before theplacing at least a portion of the first element and at least a portionof the second element on a molding surface.

Aspect 289. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 287, wherein the printing is printing a second printed marking ison the first reflowed material, the article, or a combination thereof;and wherein the printing is after the decreasing the temperature of theentire article to a temperature below the melting temperature T_(m) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition.

Aspect 290. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 287, wherein the printing comprises: 1) printing a first printedmarking is on the first shaped component, the first film, the firsttextile, the second shaped component, the second film, the secondtextile, the article; and wherein the printing a first printed markingis before the placing at least a portion of the first element and atleast a portion of the second element on a molding surface; and 2)printing a second printed marking is on the first reflowed material, thearticle, or a combination thereof; and wherein the printing is after thedecreasing the temperature of the entire article to a temperature belowthe melting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition.

Aspect 291. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 287-Aspect 290, wherein the printing is screenprinting, pad printing, ink jet printing, 3D printing, or anycombination thereof.

Aspect 292. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 291, further comprising dyeing the firstfiber, first yarn, first shaped component, the first film, the firsttextile, the second fiber, the second yarn, the second shaped component,the second film, the second textile, the first reflowed material, thearticle, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 293. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimsAspect 292, wherein the dyeing is a first dyeing, comprising dyeing atleast a portion of the first shaped component, the first film, the firsttextile, the second shaped component, the second film, the secondtextile, the article; and wherein the first dyeing is before the placingat least a portion of the first element and at least a portion of thesecond element on a molding surface.

Aspect 294. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 292, wherein the dyeing is a second dyeing, comprising dyeing atleast a portion of the first reflowed material, the article, or acombination thereof; and wherein the second dyeing is after thedecreasing the temperature of the entire article to a temperature belowthe melting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition.

Aspect 295. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 292, wherein the dyeing comprises: 1) a first dyeing, comprisingdyeing at least a portion of the first shaped component, the first film,the first textile, the second shaped component, the second film, thesecond textile, the article; and wherein the first dyeing is before theplacing at least a portion of the first element and at least a portionof the second element on a molding surface; and 2) a second dyeing,comprising dyeing at least a portion of the first reflowed material, thearticle, or a combination thereof; and wherein the second dyeing isafter the decreasing the temperature of the entire article to atemperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition.

Aspect 296. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimsAspect 294 and Aspect 295, wherein the first reflowed material comprisesa dye.

Aspect 297. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 296, wherein the first reflowed material comprises the dye; andwherein the portions of the article comprising the high processingtemperature polymeric composition are essentially free of the dye.

Aspect 298. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 292-Aspect 297, wherein the dyeing comprising usinga dye solution comprising at least one dye.

Aspect 299. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 298, wherein using the dye solution comprises immersing thearticle in the dye solution.

Aspect 300. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 299, wherein the dyeing comprises immersing an entire outersurface area of the article in the dye solution.

Aspect 301. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 299 and Aspect 300, wherein, following immersingthe entire article in the dye solution, only portions of the articlecomprising the reflowed material retain the dye.

Aspect 302. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 299-Aspect 301, wherein, following immersing theentire article in the dye solution, only portions of the articlecomprising the high processing temperature composition retain the dye.

Aspect 303. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 298, wherein using the dye solution comprises spraying thearticle with the dye solution.

Aspect 304. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 303, wherein the dyeing comprising spraying an entire outersurface area of the article with the dye solution.

Aspect 305. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 303 and Aspect 304, wherein, following spraying theentire article with the dye solution, only portions of the articlecomprising the reflowed material retain the dye.

Aspect 306. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 303-Aspect 305, wherein, following spraying theentire article with the dye solution, only portions of the articlecomprising the reflowed material retain the dye.

Aspect 307. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 298-Aspect 306, wherein the dye solution is anaqueous dye solution.

Aspect 308. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 298-Aspect 307, wherein the dye solution includesfrom about 1% by volume to about 50% by volume of a water-solubleorganic solvent.

Aspect 309. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 308, wherein the water-soluble organic solvent is a solventselected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol,acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, butyl acetate, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 310. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 298-Aspect 309, wherein the at least one dye is anacid dye.

Aspect 311. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 310, wherein the acid dye is an anionic acid dye.

Aspect 312. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 298-Aspect 311, wherein the at least one dye is adisperse dye.

Aspect 313. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 298-Aspect 312, wherein dye solution comprises aquaternary ammonium compound.

Aspect 314. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 313, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is a solubletetrabutylammonium compound.

Aspect 315. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 314, wherein the soluble tetrabutylammonium compound includestetrabutylammonium bromide or tetrabutylammonium chloride or both.

Aspect 316. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 313-Aspect 315, wherein the dye solution includesfrom about 0.1 to about 5 equivalents of the quaternary ammoniumcompound per equivalent of the dye.

Aspect 317. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 298-Aspect 316, wherein the dye solution includesfrom about 0.001 g/L to about 5.0 g/L of the dye.

Aspect 318. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 298-Aspect 317, wherein the dye solution includesfrom about 0.01 g/L to about 2.0 g/L of the anionic dye.

Aspect 319. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 298-Aspect 318, wherein, during the immersing, atemperature of the aqueous dye solution is from about 40° C. to about70° C.

Aspect 320. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 298-Aspect 319, wherein dyeing is immersing in anaqueous dye solution for up to about 15 minutes.

Aspect 321. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 320, wherein the immersing is immersing the article.

Aspect 322. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 297, further comprising printing anelement onto an exterior surface of the article after forming thearticle.

Aspect 323. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 322, wherein the printing comprises an additive manufacturingprocess which deposits a polymeric material onto the exterior surface ofthe article, thereby creating a topography having a greater surface areaon the exterior surface of the article as compared to the topography onthe exterior surface of the article prior to the printing.

Aspect 324. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 175-Aspect 323, wherein the placing at least aportion of the first element and at least a portion of the secondelement on a molding surface is placing at least a portion of the firstelement and at least a portion of the second element on a moldingsurface to form an assembly having an outer surface, then placing anelement including a sublimation ink in contact with the outer surface ofthe assembly prior to the increasing the temperature.

Aspect 325. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 324, wherein the element including a sublimation ink is anelement having a first side printed with sublimation ink, and whereinplacing the element including the sublimation ink in contact with theouter surface of the assembly includes placing the first side of theelement in contact with the outer surface of the assembly.

Aspect 326. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 324 and Aspect 325, wherein the element including asublimation ink is a release paper printed with sublimation ink.

Aspect 327. The process for manufacturing an article according to anyone of claims Aspect 324-Aspect 326, wherein the element including asublimation ink is an elastomeric material printed with sublimation ink.

Aspect 328. The process for manufacturing an article according to claimAspect 327, wherein the elastomeric material printed with sublimationink is a silicone elastomeric material.

Aspect 329. A combination upper and outsole for an article of footwear,comprising: a first re-flowed material; and a second element selectedfrom a second shaped component, a second film, a second textile, asecond yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the first reflowed material is amelted and re-solidified product of a first element selected from afirst shaped component, a first film, a first yarn, a first fiber, afirst textile, or any combination thereof; wherein the first reflowedmaterial comprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition,the low processing temperature polymeric composition comprising one ormore first thermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprisesa high processing temperature composition, the high processingtemperature composition comprising one or more second thermoplasticpolymers; wherein the high processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits at least one of: 1) a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr); 2) aheat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) a Vicat softening temperatureT_(vs) that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition; wherein the combinationupper and outsole includes a medial midfoot area, a lateral midfootarea, a ground-facing outsole area, and at least a portion of the firstre-flowed material is present on the ground-facing outsole area; andwherein the combination upper and outsole comprises one or more of: 1)the first film, the first textile, the second shaped component, thesecond film, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprisinga printed marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising embroidery on at least a portion thereon; 3) thearticle comprises a dyed first element, a dyed second element, orcombinations thereof; and 4) the first reflowed material comprising aprinted marking on at least a portion thereof or embroidery on at leasta portion thereon.

Aspect 330. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect329, wherein the printed marking is a screen printed marking, a padprinted marking, an inkjet printed marking, a 3D printed marking, or anycombination thereof.

Aspect 331. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 330, wherein the embroidery comprises a thirdyarn independently comprising a low processing temperature polymericcomposition, the low processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more third thermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 332. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 330, wherein the embroidery comprises a fourthyarn independently comprising a high processing temperature polymericcomposition, the high processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more fourth thermoplastic polymers.

Aspect 333. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 332, wherein the embroidery comprises both athird yarn and a fourth yarn.

Aspect 334. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 333, wherein the dyed first element, the dyedsecond element, or the combination is immersion dyed, sublimation dyed,or combinations of thereof.

Aspect 335. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect334, wherein first element includes a first yarn essentially free ofdye.

Aspect 336. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 334 and Aspect 335, wherein the dyed second elementincludes a package dyed yarn.

Aspect 337. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 334-Aspect 336, wherein the dyed second element includes asolution dyed yarn.

Aspect 338. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 337, wherein the at least a portion of thefirst re-flowed material is on at least about 40% of the ground-facingoutsole area.

Aspect 339. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect338, wherein the at least a portion of the first re-flowed material ison at least about 90% of the ground-facing outsole area.

Aspect 340. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 339, wherein the combination upper and outsolefurther comprises an outer surface having at least a first zone, asecond zone, and a third zone, the second zone positioned between thefirst and third zones, wherein the first zone comprises an increasedconcentration of the second yarn compared to the second zone, andwherein the third zone comprises an increased concentration of the firstre-flowed material compared to the second zone.

Aspect 341. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect340, wherein the third zone is in the ground-facing outsole area.

Aspect 342. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect340, wherein the first zone is in the medial midfoot area or a lateralmidfoot area or both.

Aspect 343. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 342, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers include one or more thermoplastic polymersselected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyethers,polyamides, polyurethanes and polyolefins.

Aspect 344. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect343, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprise oneor more thermoplastic co-polyamides.

Aspect 345. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect344, wherein the one or more first thermoplastic polymers comprise oneor more thermoplastic polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymers.

Aspect 346. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 345, wherein the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits a melting temperature of about 80° C. toabout 135° C.

Aspect 347. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 346, wherein the first low processingtemperature polymeric composition exhibits a glass transitiontemperature Tg of about 50° C. or less, exhibits a melt flow index ofabout 0.1 g/10 min to about 60 g/10 min at 160° C. using a test weightof 2.16 kg, exhibits an enthalpy of melting of at least 5 J/g, exhibitsa modulus of about 1 MPa to about 500 MPa, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 348. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 347, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprises a thermoplastic polyamide, athermoplastic poly(ether-block-amide) or a thermoplastic polyurethane,and the first low processing temperature polymeric composition exhibitsa melting temperature of about 80° C. to about 135° C., exhibits a glasstransition temperature Tg of about 50° C. or less, exhibits a melt flowindex of about 0.1 g/10 min to about 60 g/10 min at 160° C. using a testweight of 2.16 kg, exhibits an enthalpy of melting of at least 5 J/g,and exhibits a modulus of about 1 MPa to about 500 MPa.

Aspect 349. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect348, wherein the low processing temperature polymeric compositionexhibits a melting temperature of less than 125° C., exhibits a glasstransition temperature Tg of about 0° C. or less, exhibits a melt flowindex of about 5 g/10 min to about 40 g/10 min at 160° C. using a testweight of 2.16 kg, exhibits an enthalpy of melting of from about 10 J/gto about 30 J/g, and exhibits a modulus of about 30 MPa to about 120MPa.

Aspect 350. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 349, wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits a melting temperature T_(m) of greaterthan 140° C.

Aspect 351. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 350, wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits a melting temperature T_(m) that is atleast 10° C. greater than a melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition.

Aspect 352. The combination upper and outsole according to any one ofclaims Aspect 329-Aspect 351, wherein the one or more secondthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more thermoplastic polymersselected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyesters,thermoplastic polyamides, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 353. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect352, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polymers includes oneor more thermoplastic polyesters.

Aspect 354. The combination upper and outsole according to claim Aspect353, wherein the one or more second thermoplastic polyesters includesthermoplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Aspect 355. A process for manufacturing a combination upper and outsolefor an article of footwear, the process comprising: receiving a firstelement selected from a first shaped component, a first film, a firsttextile, a first yarn, and a first fiber; receiving a second elementselected from a second shaped component, a second film, a secondtextile, a second yarn, or a second fiber; wherein the first elementcomprises a low processing temperature polymeric composition, the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition comprising one or morefirst thermoplastic polymers, wherein the second element comprises ahigh processing temperature polymeric composition, the high processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more secondthermoplastic polymers, and wherein the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition exhibits at least one of: 1) a creep relaxationtemperature T_(cr); 2) a heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) aVicat softening temperature T_(vs) that is greater than the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; placing at least a portion of the first element and atleast a portion of the second element on a molding surface; while the atleast a portion of the first element and the at least a portion of thesecond element are on the molding surface, increasing a temperature ofthe entire first element and the entire second element to a temperaturethat is above the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition and below at least one of: 1) thecreep relaxation temperature T_(c)r; 2) the heat deflection temperatureT_(hd); or 3) the Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) of the highprocessing temperature polymeric composition; and subsequent to theincreasing the temperature of the entire first and second articles,while the at least a portions of the first and second articles remain onthe molding surface, decreasing the temperature of the entire first andsecond elements to a temperature below the melting temperature T_(m) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition, thereby forming aarticle.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that aspects herein are well adaptedto attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together withother advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to thestructure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of theclaims.

Since many possible aspects may be made without departing from the scopethereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth orshown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrativeand not in a limiting sense.

While specific elements and steps are discussed in connection to oneanother, it is understood that any element and/or steps provided hereinis contemplated as being combinable with any other elements and/or stepsregardless of explicit provision of the same while still being withinthe scope provided herein. Since many possible aspects may be made ofthe disclosure without departing from the scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanyingdrawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

EXAMPLES

The present disclosure is more particularly described in the followingexamples that are intended as illustrations only, since numerousmodifications and variations within the scope of the present disclosurewill be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Example 1: Evaluation of Commercially Available Polymeric Materials forUse as Components of the Low Processing Temperature PolymericComposition

In this example, twenty-five commercially available polymers wereevaluated for their suitability as components of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition. Samples of the polymers wereevaluated in yarn and/or resin form to determine melting temperatureT_(m), the number of cycles under the cold Ross flex (CRF) test,shrinkage in yarn form, and physical appearance after thermoforming. Theresults of this testing regimen are provided in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Evaluation of Commercially Available Polymeric MaterialsMaterial Form Name Manufact. Polymer Tested Comment K85 EMS CoPA YarnGood T_(m,) Poor CRF K110 EMS CoPA Yarn Good T_(m,) Poor CRF K140 EMSCoPA Yarn Good T_(m,) Poor CRF K140/K110 (30:70) EMS CoPA Resin GoodT_(m,) Poor CRF K140/K110 (50:50) EMS CoPA Resin Good T_(m,) Poor CRFK140/K110 (70:30) EMS CoPA Resin Good T_(m,) Poor CRF K178 EMS CoPA YarnGood T_(m,) Poor CRF PA12 (Sample 2) EMS PA12 Resin Poor T_(m,) Good CRFHTg PA (Sample 1) EMS PA Resin Good T_(m,) Poor CRF HTg PA (Sample 2)EMS PA Resin Good T_(m,) Poor CRF K140/PA6 bicofiber EMS CoPA/ ResinGood T_(m,) Poor CRF Nonwoven pressed PA6 G125 Hyosung PA6 Yarn GoodT_(m,) Poor CRF 5220 Schaetti CoPA Resin Good T_(m,) Poor CRF 5250Schaetti CoPA Resin Good T_(m,) Poor CRF 5290 Schaetti CoPA Resin GoodT_(m,) Poor CRF 5424 Schaetti CoPA Resin Good T_(m,) Poor CRF Flor-MUnitika PA Yarn Good T_(m,) Poor CRF Platamid H 2694/ Arkema PA ResinGood T_(m,) Good CRF, Good Pebax 4023 SA Shrinkage Level Pearlbond DIPPLubrizol TPU Resin Good T_(m,) Poor CRF 119 Estane 58213 Lubrizol TPUResin Good T_(m,) Poor Shrinkage Level PM110646 Tack Techmer LLDPE YarnGood T_(m,) Poor color (not Yarn transparent) Irogran CA116 Huntsman TPUResin Good T_(m,) Poor color (yellow tint) Irogran CA117 Huntsman TPUResin Good T_(m,) Poor color (yellow tint) Irogran CA9068 Huntsman TPUResin Good T_(m,) Poor color (yellow tint) Irogran PS456 Huntsman TPUResin Good T_(m,) Poor color (yellow tint) CoPA = co-polyamide; PA =polyamide; PA12 = Nylon 12; PA6 = Nylon 6; TPU = thermoplasticpolyurethane, LLDPE = linear low-density polyethylene, T_(m) = meltingtemperature, CRF = Cold Ross flex test

While most of these commercially available materials had a meltingtemperature T_(m) within the desired range of less than about 125° C.,the vast majority of the materials did not have the ideal balance ofproperties making them suitable for use in articles of footwear andapparel. For example, many of the materials had a yellow tint or werenot transparent then thermoformed. Some of the materials, when extrudedto form yarns, produced yarns with unacceptably high levels ofshrinkage. Also, many of the materials became somewhat brittle undercold conditions and so were unable to withstand over 150,000 cycles oftesting using the cold Ross flex test method, making the materialsundesirable for some footwear applications.

For applications where it is unacceptable for the materials to becomebrittle under cold conditions, the Platamid H 2694/Pebax 4023 SA fromArkema was determined to be the one polymer tested that passed the ColdRoss flex (CRF) test at the desired level. This material exhibited allthe other favorable polymeric properties desired for use in the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition described herein, such as afavorable melting temperature T_(m), and remaining clear whenthermoformed.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference topreferred aspects, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges can be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article, comprising: a first reflowedmaterial; and a second element selected from a second shaped component,a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or a second fiber;wherein the first reflowed material is a melted and re-solidifiedproduct of a first element selected from a first shaped component, afirst film, a first yarn, a first fiber, a first textile, or anycombination thereof; wherein the first reflowed material comprises a lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition, the low processingtemperature polymeric composition comprising one or more firstthermoplastic polymers; wherein the second element comprises a highprocessing temperature composition, the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more second thermoplasticpolymers; and wherein the high processing temperature polymericcomposition exhibits at least one of: 1) a creep relaxation temperatureT_(cr); 2) a heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) a Vicat softeningtemperature T_(vs) that is greater than the melting temperature T_(m) ofthe low processing temperature polymeric composition the meltingtemperature T_(m) of the low processing temperature polymericcomposition; and wherein the article comprises one or more of: 1) thefirst film, the first textile, the second shaped component, the secondfilm, or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a firstprinted marking on at least a portion thereof; 2) the first film, thefirst textile, the second film, or the second textile, or combinationsthereof, comprising embroidery on at least a portion thereon; 3) thearticle comprises a dyed first element, a dyed second element, or acombination thereof; and 4) a first reflowed material comprising asecond printed marking on at least a portion thereof
 2. The articleaccording to claim 1, wherein the article includes 1) the first film,the first textile, the second shaped component, the second film, or thesecond textile, or combinations thereof, comprising a first printedmarking on at least a portion thereof.
 3. The article according to claim2, wherein the first printed marking includes a sublimation dye.
 4. Thearticle according to claim 2, wherein the first printed marking is ascreen printed marking.
 5. The article according to claim 1, wherein thearticle includes 2) the first film, the first textile, the second film,or the second textile, or combinations thereof, comprising embroidery onat least a portion thereon.
 6. The article according to claim 3, whereinthe embroidery of the first film, the first textile, the second film, orthe second textile, or combinations thereof includes a second reflowedmaterial comprising a low processing temperature composition comprisingat least one third thermoplastic polymer.
 7. The article according toclaim 1, wherein 3) the article comprises a dyed first element, a dyedsecond element, or a combination thereof.
 8. The article according toclaim 5, wherein the dyed first element is an anionic dyed firstelement, the dyed second element is an anionic dyed second element, or acombination thereof.
 9. The article according to claim 1, wherein thearticle includes 4) a first reflowed material comprising a secondprinted marking on at least a portion thereof.
 10. The article accordingto claim 1, wherein the article includes 4) a first reflowed materialcomprising a second printed marking on at least a portion thereof. 11.The article according to claim 1, wherein the one or more firstthermoplastic polymers comprise one or more thermoplastic polyamides, orone or more thermoplastic polyurethanes, or both.
 12. The articleaccording to claim 11, wherein the one or more first thermoplasticpolymers comprise one or more thermoplastic polyether block amide (PEBA)copolymers
 13. The article according to claim 12, wherein the one ormore second thermoplastic polymers includes one or more thermoplasticpolyesters.
 14. The article according to claim 13, wherein the one ormore second thermoplastic polyesters includes thermoplastic polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).
 15. The article according to claim 1, wherein thefirst reflowed material comprises a dye, and the second element issubstantially free of the dye.
 16. The article according to claim 1,wherein the high processing temperature composition of the secondelement comprises a dye, and the first reflowed material issubstantially free of the dye.
 17. The article of claim 1, wherein thearticle is a combination upper and outsole, and the combination upperand outsole includes a medial midfoot area, a lateral midfoot area, aground-facing outsole area, and at least a portion of the firstre-flowed material is present on the ground-facing outsole area.
 18. Thearticle according to claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of thefirst re-flowed material is on at least about 40% of the ground-facingoutsole area.
 19. A process for manufacturing an article, the processcomprising: receiving a first element selected from a first shapedcomponent, a first film, a first textile, a first yarn, and a firstfiber; and/or receiving a second element selected from a second shapedcomponent, a second film, a second textile, a second yarn, or a secondfiber; wherein the first element comprises a low processing temperaturepolymeric composition, the low processing temperature polymericcomposition comprising one or more first thermoplastic polymers, whereinthe second element comprises a high processing temperature polymericcomposition, the high processing temperature polymeric compositioncomprising one or more second thermoplastic polymers, and wherein thehigh processing temperature polymeric composition exhibits at least oneof: 1) a creep relaxation temperature T_(cr); 2) a heat deflectiontemperature T_(hd); or 3) a Vicat softening temperature T_(vs) that isgreater than the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processingtemperature polymeric composition; placing at least a portion of thefirst element and at least a portion of the second element on a moldingsurface; while the at least a portion of the first element and the atleast a portion of the second element is on the molding surface,increasing a temperature of the entire article to a temperature that isabove the melting temperature T_(m) of the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition and below at least one of: 1) the creep relaxationtemperature T_(c)r; 2) the heat deflection temperature T_(hd); or 3) theVicat softening temperature T_(vs) of the high processing temperaturepolymeric composition; and subsequent to the increasing the temperatureof the entire article, while the at least a portion of the articleremains on the molding surface, decreasing the temperature of the entirearticle to a temperature below the melting temperature T_(m) of the lowprocessing temperature polymeric composition; thereby forming an articlecomprising a first reflowed material; wherein the first reflowedmaterial is a melted and re-solidified product of the first elementselected from the first shaped component, the first film, the firstyarn, the first fiber, the first textile, or any combination thereof;wherein the first reflowed material comprises a low processingtemperature polymeric composition, the low processing temperaturepolymeric composition comprising one or more first thermoplasticpolymers.
 20. The process according to claim 19, wherein the processfurther comprises immersing an entire outer surface area of the articlein a dye solution, or spraying an entire outer surface area of thearticle with a dye solution, or both.